Duterte thanks frontliners in final SONA amid unpaid allowances

President Rodrigo Duterte expressed gratitude to frontliners, health workers, and the Filipino people for their contributions in the fight against COVID-19 during his final State of the Nation Address.

He specifically thanked healthcare professionals for risking their safety and acknowledged local executives for stepping up to deliver responsive assistance to their constituents.

Duterte also extended thanks to the private sector and international development partners for their support in the pandemic response.

However, the President failed to mention that many frontliners have not received their promised allowances and hazard pay.

A nurses group recently went to the Department of Health (DOH) demanding the release of their hazard pay budget.

The alleged underspending of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act (Bayanihan 2) and the failure to pass a Bayanihan 3 law subsequently cut the allowances of health workers.

As of July 24, the DOH reported 21,274 COVID-19 cases among health workers, with 21,073 recoveries, 101 deaths, and 100 active cases.