Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a known health reforms crusader, stressed the importance of unhampered provision of medical assistance for Filipinos, particularly during the holiday season.
“‘Yung nabalitaan natin na deadline n’yo ng issuances of guarantee letters (GLs) sa December 13, tuluy-tuloy po ba ito? Sabi ko nga na dapat po walang deadline po ang pagtulong sa mga kababayan natin dahil wala naman pong pinipili ‘yung araw na nagkakasakit tayo,” said Senator Go.
“What if panahon ng Pasko nagkasakit ‘yung mga kababayan natin, antayin pa nilang mag-January 2 para maka-avail po ng tulong mula sa DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development). Sana naman walang deadline muna ito, walang cut-off-cut-off ang serbisyo natin,” he asserted.
In a Senate Committee on Health hearing held on Wednesday, December 18, concerns were raised about the potential impact of the DSWD’s suspension of GLs starting December 13 on patients in need of medical assistance.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Ulysses Aguilar clarified the rationale behind the imposed deadline during the discussion. He explained that the cut-off applied solely to the processing of guarantee letters, which the agency regularly conducts as part of its yearly clearing process for payments.
Aguilar assured that this limitation did not signify a halt in providing medical assistance to patients in need. He emphasized that even while the issuance of guarantee letters might be suspended, the DSWD continued to extend support for medical needs through its satellite offices, ensuring that aid remained accessible to those requiring it.
However, Senator Go pressed further on the limitations posed by the suspension. “So may limit po? Baka pwede, sabi mo sa akin noon, na tuluy-tuloy po ito pero magbibigay ka ng assistance pero may limit lang, unlike the GL na mas malaki. Am I correct?” he inquired.
Aguilar affirmed the arrangement, explaining that a limit had been set for cash assistance. He clarified that patients in hospitals who issue promissory notes to cover their remaining hospital balances could still receive assistance. This support would be processed by January, effectively treating the delay in their guarantee letters as a temporary setback rather than a complete cessation of aid.
Seeking an immediate resolution, Senator Go proposed that the DSWD coordinate with hospitals to accept promissory notes during the GL suspension period.
Aguilar assured that the DSWD is taking proactive steps to address the issue. He explained that they had identified a way to ensure continuous assistance by collaborating with partner service providers, including hospitals.
Senator Go, the principal advocate behind the establishment of Malasakit Centers, sought assurance that these centers remain functional in providing uninterrupted medical aid to those in need.
Go reiterated, “So pwede nilang ma-access through Malasakit Center pa rin?” Aguilar replied, “Yes po, Mr. Chair. ‘Yung pong ating tao sa Malasakit Center, kapag nakita nila na kulang pa ‘yung babayaran… tinutulungan po natin sila through our field offices and satellite offices na mabigyan sila ng GL.”
Senator Go reminded the DSWD of their responsibility to prioritize the welfare of every Filipino, particularly those in dire need of medical assistance.
“Walang deadline ang pagtulong. Hindi tumitigil ang sakit. Sana ay gumawa tayo ng paraan na hindi na maulit ang ganitong problema,” Senator Go firmly stated.
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