BG Party-list first nominee Alelee Andanar (right) and second nominee Atty. Mico Clavano
CEBU CITY – If elected, BG Party-list first nominee Alelee Andanar on Monday said they will continue to support the provision of financial and medical assistance to indigent families through the instituted Malasakit Center Act and the Universal Health Care Act.
She said they are eyeing to improve the implementation of the Malasakit Centers across the country as well, stressing that this will help promote the well-being of the Filipino people, especially as they push for more inclusive and accessible public services.
“Isa ito sa pundasyon ng taos-pusong serbisyo ng Duterte administration na nakikita kong dapat na ipagpatuloy at gawing prayoridad ng susunod na administrasyon. At ako naman ay gagawin ang makakaya ko sa Kongreso para ipagtuloy ito lalo na’t malaki po ang ginhawa at tulong na hatid nito sa mga kapus-palad nating kababayan (It is one of the foundations of the Duterte administration’s sincere service that I see should be continued and made a priority of the next administration. And I will do my best in Congress to continue this, especially since it brings great comfort and help to our unfortunate countrymen),” she said.
As of March 2022, there are already 151 Malasakit Centers in the country with the one at Quirino Provincial Medical Center (QPMC) in Cabarroguis town as the latest to be inaugurated.
Andanar said it is high time that Filipinos, whatever their status, should not shy away from seeking medical help because of financial constraints.
Considered as a Duterte legacy, Duterte signed into law the Republic Act 11463, otherwise known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which was authored by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go.
The law mandates all DOH-run hospitals to establish their own Malasakit Center. Other public hospitals, including those run by local government units, may also open their own provided they meet a standard set of criteria to ensure the sustainability of its operations.
“Sa aking pag-iikot sa mga lalawigan, isa talaga itong Malasakit center at healthcare law sa mga ipinapasalamat ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Hindi po biro ang magkasakit ngayon, kaya salamat sa Malasakit Center na inisyatibo nina Pangulong Duterte at Sen. Bong Go (In my tour of the provinces, these Malasakit center and healthcare law are really among the things that our poor countrymen are grateful for. It is no joke to get sick today, so thanks to the Malasakit Center initiative of President Duterte and Sen. Bong Go),” Andanar said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Mico Clavano, BG party-list’s second nominee, backed this, adding that they will ensure that these policies will not be politicized.
He said they have been receiving reports about patients who were not given referrals for medical assistance because of differences in political views.
“Huwag naman sanang ganoon. Tandaan niyo po, ang serbisyo publiko ay walang pinipili. Ang programang ito ng Pangulo ay wala rin pong kulay (It should not be like that. Remember, public service does not discriminate. This program of the President has no political color,” he said.
“Kapag magpapatuloy ang mga ganyang pag-abuso, ipapanukala ko ang batas na magpaparusa sa mga pumopolitika sa Malasakit Centers sa buong bansa (If such abuses continue, I will propose legislation that will punish those who politicize Malasakit Centers across the country),” he added. (PR)
