Senators dismayed over failure to compensate health workers who died fighting COVID-19

Senators slammed the Department of Health (DoH) for failing to compensate health workers who died or got sick in the line of duty during this COVID-19 pandemic.

DOH officials revealed during plenary debates on Senate Bill 1564 or the proposed Bayanihan To Recover as One Act that no claims for compensation were made because the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 11469 have not been set.

Section 4(f) of RA 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act awards P1 million each to public and private health workers who died while fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, and P100,000 to health workers who contracted severe COVID-19 while in the line of duty.

Senate Finance Committee chair Senator Sonny Angara described as criminal the failure to compensate health workers. He stressed that neglect was apparent on the part of the agency.

 

"I'm very disappointed to hear the response from the DOH. The Senate labored, burned the midnight oil to pass Bayanihan One. It's quite upsetting to find out that so many months have gone without the DOH crafting the IRR here. So many health workers have suffered, whether they have died or have been severely afflicted with the COVID virus. Again, it's very upsetting," he said.

Angara said he will do what he can to nudge the DOH in the right direction.

He also suggested that all senators sign a letter to the DOH that underscores the urgency of the matter.

Senator Richard Gordon raised the issue earlier in the session when he said 32 health workers died and two became severely ill while treating COVID-19 patients. 

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the absence of an IRR "should not be an excuse not to comply with the law."

Senator Francis Pangilinan said this development is "truly disappointing and indicative of the lack of compassion of whoever the DOH is supposed to address this with the IRR."