Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 15) — The Department of Health said the reported “unauthorized” grant of ₱275.9-million worth of meal allowances to health workers has already been resolved.
In a statement on Sunday, the DOH responded to the recent Commission on Audit findings which stated that the agency distributed some meal allowances “without legal basis.”
Under the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, healthcare workers are entitled to meals, accommodation, and transportation benefits. For this purpose, the department said it downloaded ₱2.4 billion to hospitals.
“Given the challenges of providing actual meals to healthcare workers who do not follow regular break schedules, some hospitals and facilities opted to provide the benefits through cash, grocery vouchers, grocery items, and the like,” the DOH explained.
This issuance of meal benefits through cash equivalents was something state auditors “disagreed” with, the department said. As such, the COA in its 2020 audit report recommended that these provisions, which it flagged as unsanctioned, be refunded.
However, the DOH said the Office of the President itself, in a memorandum on June 1, allowed the benefits to be given in the form of cash equivalents.
“The DOH assures the public that it shall continue to defend the lawful provision of healthcare worker benefits, as these are granted in recognition of the invaluable sacrifice and service of our frontliners,” it added.
The COA findings are included in its latest annual report which found “deficiencies” in the DOH’s management of ₱67.32-billion worth of pandemic funds. The commission said these contributed to the challenges faced by the agency in responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
