Better safe than sorry.
AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has asked the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure the deployment of adequate medical personnel in polling precincts on election day, May 12 to attend to voters who may be affected by the extreme summer heat.
Lee issued the call as the country continues to experience scorching temperatures, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) posting several warnings in recent days as the heat index in several parts of the country reached dangerous levels.
“The extreme heat we are currently experiencing is not just uncomfortable—it is dangerous, especially for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions who will go out and vote,” the Bicolano said.
“We must be proactive. Kailangan ng sapat na paghahanda, hindi yung kung kailan sa mismong araw ng eleksyon, saka magkukumahog sa mga kakulangan at di-inaasahang pangyayari," he underscored.
(Proper preparation is key, we shouldn't scramble to address shortages and unexpected issues only on the day of the election.)
Lee, a staunch health advocate who first exposed the hundreds of billions of “unused funds” of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), earlier issued a reminder for potential heat stroke patients that treatment is covered by the state health insurer.
AGRI Party-list, which is running for reelection in this year's polls, emphasized that while the Comelec is focused on ensuring a secure and orderly election, the welfare of voters must also be prioritized.
The party-list says it is crucial to make sure that immediate medical attention is available at polling places, particularly in areas with high voter turnout and limited access to healthcare facilities.
“We call on the Comelec and DOH to coordinate closely to ensure there are enough medical personnel—including nurses, emergency responders, and even volunteer doctors—in precincts nationwide. Their presence could be the difference between life and death for some voters, especially those who are frail or medically compromised," AGRI Party-list said.
“We understand that the Comelec already has contingency plans in place, but we urge them to include, or at the very least strengthen, provisions for on-site medical assistance in coordination with the DOH, local government units, and the Philippine Red Cross,” it added.
According to the Comelec, over 68 million voters are expected to participate in the upcoming midterm national and local elections.