Legarda urges health frontliner protection under Bayanihan Act

Deputy Speaker and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda urged the government to prioritize the well-being of frontline health workers, some of whom have died from COVID-19.

Legarda expressed concern for the thousands of medical practitioners exposed to the virus while performing their duties.

She believes the newly enacted Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which grants the President emergency powers, should be utilized to provide adequate support to health frontliners.

The Act mandates a special risk allowance on top of hazard pay, covers medical costs for those exposed to the virus, and provides financial aid for those who contract or die from the disease.

Legarda also implored the public to cooperate by staying home and adhering to safety protocols to prevent overwhelming hospitals and health workers.

She emphasized that the health of frontliners directly impacts the well-being of society and called for collective solidarity to overcome the pandemic.

The law also allows for emergency subsidies to low-income families, expedited procurement of medical supplies, and faster accreditation of COVID-19 testing facilities.