Health workers consider staging a mass demonstration over the Department of Health's (DOH) nonobservance of releasing promised benefits despite their service on the frontlines amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an online forum on August 16, Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) national president Robert Mendoza declared that the planned protest would allow health workers to voice their complaints against the government's neglect.
"We remain greatly deprived of our just and timely COVID-19 benefits like the meal, transportation and accommodation allowances, Special Risk Allowance (SRA), and Active Hazard Duty Pay, among others," affirmed Mendoza.
A skeleton workforce would remain in hospitals to ensure continued health services, as assured by Mendoza.
However, if the health workers' concerns are addressed by the government immediately, the proposition of staging a mass action may be withdrawn.
In another press briefing, Health Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega assured that communication with the health workers' group would resume providing the frontliners with what is long overdue.
"I think it is their right to complain, but we also make sure that we will be able to talk to them and also work out some mechanism wherein they will be given those privileges," said Vega.
The DOH has recently caught the public's eye after the Commission on Audit called out unused and allegedly embezzled COVID-19 funds amounting to P67 billion.
At any rate, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III still maintains the support of President Rodrigo Duterte and remains unfazed by the demand of lawmakers for his resignation.
Sources: Rappler Philippines, CNN Philippines, and GMA Network
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