Filipino health workers celebrated Valentine’s Day with a “Black Hearts Day” protest as they called anew for a substantial salary increase and the release of their still unpaid COVID-19 allowances.
“It is ironic because they said they will make health care a priority and that this is the leading agenda of this administration. But until now, there is still no portfolio, no health secretary. That remains a big vacuum.”
The former police chief now health undersecretary is among the brains of the bloody “Oplan Tokhang,” the drug war that former President Rodrigo Duterte waged during his administration that led to the killing of over 30,000 people.
“We are worried that if this will not be addressed, the outbreak will also spread to nearby communities in the Sierra Madre. We also hope that this will be disseminated to private citizens and other non-government organizations who can help the Dumagats.”
The end of the COVID-19 pandemic may be “in sight” as far as the World Health Organization is concerned. But for Filipino health workers, their rightful hazard pay and allowances remain nowhere to be seen.
“We strongly urge the suspension of the Philhealth premium hike amid the soaring prices of basic goods, commodities and services. The hike has already caused the failure of payment of teachers’ loans with their measly salaries barely sufficient for their daily needs following the implementation of the premium hike last June 15.”
“It pains me to see (tarpaulins) of politicians and partylists claiming to represent our voices, even using images of nurses to boost their campaign. But the truth is, most of them were nowhere to be found when we were fighting for our rights and welfare,” Filipino nurse Pauline Budy said.
How can we go on duty if we, workers, could hardly breathe?
The Alliance of Health Workers said health workers are human beings who need enough rest when they are tired and sick.
“Almost all of the expenses were taken from our savings. Aside from this, it is taking a constant toll on our mental wellbeing especially since we have to think about our work and studies during the [supposed] recovery period.”
“We need to strengthen our public health system. We can do this through the implementation of a free, comprehensive, and progressive public health system in the country.”