The Department of Health (DOH) reassured healthcare workers, particularly nurses, that they will receive their rightful benefits to encourage them to continue serving in the country.
Health Secretary Ted Herbosa addressed the issue during a briefing at Malacañang, responding to concerns raised by Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte about the remaining P12.57 billion in COVID-19 benefits and allowances owed to healthcare and non-healthcare workers.
Herbosa stated that the majority of the benefits have already been distributed, primarily within the government sector. However, he noted that some delays were observed in private hospitals due to technical issues related to administrative processes.
"The report to me is most of the benefits have already been given out. Those who have not received [it] have technical issues. And I was told most of them are from private hospitals. For government (hospitals), that has been given out," said the health secretary.
While expressing an understanding of the struggles faced by healthcare workers, Herbosa clarified that he couldn't modify the existing process.
He assured that as long as proper documentation is in place, nurses and other healthcare workers should receive their due benefits.
"I'll get on top of this kasi I feel our nurses are our real priority... I really love the nurses because they are our health care system," he said, "As long as the documentation is there, they should be paid."
