Give health workers what is due to them

It is insulting for health officials to tell our nurses and frontline health workers that they (officials) are “willing to listen,” “willing to meet to discuss their concerns” and are “open to dialog” and they (health workers) should not go on strike or resign en masse because our health care system will collapse.

Our health workers are taking that drastic move because, 18 months into this horrible pandemic and with no end in sight, the compensation, allowances and benefits owed to them have not been given.

They literally risk their health and their lives – and, by extension, the lives of their families – each time they go to work to take care of the thousands infected with the virus. We hail them as heroes, heap praises on them, but when it comes to giving them what is due, government officials cite “policies,” “rigorous requirements” of the COA and even “miscommunication” – which is bureaucratic mumbo-jumbo. Yes, there are rules and processes that must be followed – then follow them, work on it, process the papers, and do not use these as excuses for the non-disbursement of what is provided for in the law and definitely due to these workers.

Our health workers are doing their jobs – performing over and beyond their jobs – so please, do your jobs as well and process their payments. – Mattias Sta. Cruz, Pasig City