Bong Go reiterates full support for health care workers

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Bong Go visited frontline health care workers at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) in Cotabato City on Friday to check on their welfare, respond to their needs and recognize their contributions in the government’s fight against COVID-19.

Go praised the team behind the CRMC for their efforts during the groundbreaking ceremony for a new temporary treatment and monitoring facility for COVID-19 patients and a building for its Malasakit Center.

The senator checked the operations of the Malasakit Center which he opened on Nov. 19, 2018.

The center is a one-stop shop which provides quick and convenient access to medical assistance programs of the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corp. and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Go reminded hospital staff to prioritize the poor and underserved communities hardest hit by the pandemic.

He pledged to extend all necessary support so that the CRMC would have the resources to provide the best quality of care for its patients.

”Gaya ng sinabi ko sa mga doktor at social worker kanina, full support ako sa inyo dito pero pakiusap, huwag niyo pong pababayaan yung mga mahihirap natin na kababayan,” said Go.

“Bilang inyong committee chairman on health sa Senado, you have my full support. Kung ano man ang kailangan ninyo sa inyong ospital, magsabi lang kayo at gagawin ko ang lahat sa abot ng aking makakaya upang tulungan kayo,” he said.

Go recently filed Senate Bill 2398, which seeks to provide health workers continuous and more inclusive allowances and benefits during the ongoing state of public health emergency.

The bill specifically seeks a fixed monthly COVID-19 special risk allowance for each health worker aside from the hazard pay granted under the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers.

The proposed measure aims to give public health workers additional monthly active hazard duty pay on top of what they receive under existing laws.