Labor
leaders and activists of the Nagkaisa labor coalition today held a forum then a
rally against the zero subsidy in the proposed General Appropriations Act. “In
the 2025 national budget, there is zero subsidy for Philhealth but full subsidy
for trapos in the form of AKAP, AICS, TUPAD and confidential funds,” stated Judy
Miranda, Partido Manggagawa (PM) secretary general.
PM
is demanding a “veto, restore and reform”: Veto the bicam version of the GAA; Restore
the subsidy for Philhealth; Reform the system through the resignation of Department
of Health (DoH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa and a revamp of the Philhealth board.
Aside from the restoration of the Philhealth subsidy, PM is also asking for the
removal of confidential funds not just for OVP of Sara Duterte but for all
other agencies including the OP.
The
activities today are buildup for a big rally on Wednesday, December 18.
Tomorrow, Nagkaisa is launching a press conference to air its demands.
PM
slammed the Congressional bicameral conference committee for not allocating any
subsidy for Philhealth. “It is the confidential funds of Vice President Sara
Duterte and all other officials that must be taken out, not support for health
insurance of workers and the people. Zero subsidy for Philhealth, NO! Zero
budget for confidential funds, YES!,” asserted Miranda.
However,
the group added this is also partly the fault of Secretary Herbosa. PM called
for the resignation of Herbosa for his failure to make good on commitments to
improve Philhealth benefits for its members, many of whom are workers. “Sectary
Herbosa should step down since he cannot do his job and make good on his promises.
He committed to increasing by 50% across-the-board hike in Philhealth benefits
which has not materialized. Philhealth has excess funds since it is scrimping
on benefits. Herbosa, Alis dyan!,” Miranda asked.
PM’s demand for Herbosa’s resignation is part of the group’s advocacy for quality public services. PM earlier joined the Nagkaisa labor coalition in filing as intervenor in the Supreme Court case to oppose the transfer of P90 billion of Philhealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. The group has also been demanding public laundromats and whole day childcare centers to ease the burdens of employed and unemployed women.
Press Release
December 16, 2024
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