Time to build public hospitals without delay, senators urged

MANILA, Philippines — Senators should not allow delays in the passage of bills proposing the construction and improvement of public hospitals across the country, Sen. Bong Go said.

Go, chair of the Senate's health committee, said the debates on budget and tax allotments have to be deferred for another time in favor of the pending local hospital bills.

"Obviously, our priorities, ito pong health problem po natin. […] Ang ayaw nating mangyari, maghihingalo ang mga kababayan natin na wala nang pupuntahan. Nasa pandemya po tayo," Go said at the chamber's regular session on Monday, May 20.

Temporary modular hospitals had to be built urgently in the past year, he said, to fill in gaps in healthcare in various regions. Having witnessed the situation and needs in different areas firsthand, a permanent solution is needed, he added.

"In this crucial time, we need these facilities, we need these upgrades. The local government units are asking for assistance because they cannot take on these burdens," Go said.