78th Malasakit Center launched in Bulacan
He vowed to block more waste of public funds at the agency and was saddened that a ‘mafia’ existed there
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, on Tuesday launched the 78th Malasakit Center in ceremonies happening online.
It was the second Malasakit Center in Bulacan and eighth in the Central Luzon region.
The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that brings together the various government agencies from which patients can seek medical and financial assistance, namely the Department of Health, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
He likewise gave assurance that those involved in fraudulent transactions in Philhealth will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
It may also facilitate assistance provided by local government units, non-government organizations and private institutions and individuals.
In his speech, the Senator expressed dismay over the controversies surrounding PhilHealth and vowed to go after those responsible for the alleged widespread corruption in the government-run health insurance agency.
He vowed to block more waste of public funds at the agency and was saddened that a “mafia” existed there.
Go likewise gave assurance that those involved in fraudulent transactions in Philhealth will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. “Heads will roll,” he warned.
The Senator also assured Filipinos from poor and vulnerable sectors that he will push for measures providing Filipinos with better access to affordable medicines they need.
Go added that once a vaccine for COVID-19 is made available, he and the President will prioritize the poor and the vulnerable.
The entire nation owes immense gratitude to the frontliners.
“No one should be left behind,” he said. While he acknowledged the difficulty of balancing the issues concerning the economy and public health, Go maintained that there is nothing more important than protecting the health and safety of the people.
He asked the general public to cooperate with the government by observing simple health and safety protocols such as the proper use of masks. He also said the government will distribute free masks to the poorest of the poor.
The senator went on to express his deep respect for the country’s hardworking frontliners to whom the nation owes a debt of gratitude for selflessly taking care of the sick while risking exposure to the deadly disease. He pledged to continue pushing for measures that will protect and promote their welfare.
“The entire nation owes immense gratitude to the frontliners,” said Go.
He also lauded the recent Supreme Court decision increasing the minimum salary grade of public nurses. Earlier this year, President Duterte signed the Salary Standardization Law 5, authored by Go, which also increased the salary of government employees, including public nurses, in four tranches starting this year until 2023.