By Zion del Rosario

PHOTO: Philippine Daily Inquirer

In promise of providing risk allowance, Malacañang appeals to health workers to not resign amid coronavirus (COVID-19) case surges in the country.

This comes after Filipino Nurses United stated that its members will quit if the government fails to provide payment by September 1.

In response, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque reiterated on Monday, August 23,  to spare the government some time to process the funds for the special risk allowance.

“’Wag naman po sana,” he said.

“Nag-order naman po ang Presidente na within 10 days dapat from last Friday eh kinakailangang maibigay na itong mga special risk allowance,” he added.

Roque also explained that further resignation of health workers would worsen the country’s problem of growing unemployment.



“Dadami ang hanay na walang trabaho sa panahon ng pandemia. Mas lalala po ang problema natin kung mas maraming walang trabaho,” he said.

“Wala naman po tayong karagdagang ayuda na maibibigay,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Duterte gave the Department of Budget and Management 10 days to process the funds required by the Department of Health. 

“I am now ordering, it’s an order, Secretary Duque. . . . use whatever money there is. Bayaran mo y’ong hinihingi ng mga nurses—both in government and those outside government na volunteers,” he said.

“Bayaran mo lahat y’ong ano nila, the reklamo nila. Kasi totoo naman, eh,” he added.

During the arrival of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccines on 20 August, President Duterte promised health workers that they will be paid for the deeds they commit amid the pandemic.


Report source: Manila Bulletin