#SONA2022 FACT CHECK: Pres. Marcos Jr. claims he will improve welfare of health workers
CLAIM:
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. claimed in his first State of the Nation Address that he will improve the welfare of the health workers in the country.
RATING:
Missing Context
FACTS:
During his speech, the president did not elaborate how his administration will improve the welfare of the health workers in the Philippines.
Without naming the next health secretary, Marcos instructed the current officer-in-charge Ma. Rosario Vergeire to “look into the issues affecting the benefits of health workers in the country” as health workers urged the current administration to increase the wages of entry-level nurses and other health care workers.
In the past weeks, the Philippine Nurses Association has urged the Marcos administration to amend the Philippine Nursing Act to resolve problems regarding wages and benefits.
In addition, health workers also called on the Marcos administration to clean the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), an agency riddled with corruption allegations during the Duterte presidency.
However, none of these concerns were mentioned in Marcos’ first SONA.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest and most challenging problems that the Marcos administration needs to address.
For years, health workers are looking for a concrete plan on how the current president will resolve the problems brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially with the surge of the Omicron variant. Beyond uttering generalized promises, specific action points are needed, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic remains unabated. – Jheruleene Anne Ramos
Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.
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AlterMidya (People’s Alternative Media Network) is a network of independent and progressive media outfits, institutions and individuals.