DBM to release remaining P27-B health emergency allowance Friday

MANILA – Around P27 billion is set to be released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Friday in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to settle all unpaid claims for the Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) of healthcare workers.

The DBM made the announcement Thursday, saying the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) and Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) amounting to P27.453 billion is upon the request of the Department of Health (DOH) last May.

The funding will cover the payment of 5,039,926 remaining validated unpaid HEA and 4,283 Covid-19 sickness and death compensation claims of eligible healthcare and non-healthcare workers, the DBM said.

"This is a promise fulfilled," Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said.

"Kahit sa 2025 pa ito hinihiling ng DOH, sinikap po ng DBM na mas maaga itong tuparin, dahil deserve po ito ng ating mga manggagawa sa health sector (Although the DOH asked for this in 2025, the DBM did everything to fulfill it sooner, because our workers in the health sector deserve it)," she said.

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According to DBM data, a total of P91.283 billion has been released to the DOH for the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA), covering all benefits for healthcare workers from 2021 to 2023.

Of this amount, P73.261 billion has been allocated specifically for HEA.

PHEBA includes Special Risk Allowance, compensation for Covid-19 sickness and death, and additional benefits like meals, accommodation, and transportation allowances for healthcare workers. (PNA)