DBM Releases Final Health Emergency Allowance Funds
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released the final balance of P6.8 billion for the health emergency allowance to healthcare workers who served during the COVID-19 pandemic from 2021 to 2023. This significant disbursement aims to settle all outstanding claims under the government’s Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) program.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the special allotment release order (SARO) of P6.767 billion on September 1, directing the funds to the Department of Health (DOH). The amount covers 1,411,546 claims from various local government units (LGUs), private health facilities, state universities, and other institutions nationwide.
Government Prioritizes Health Emergency Allowance Payments
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to honor health sector workers, Pangandaman emphasized the importance of promptly releasing this final tranche of funds. “We recognize the critical role of our healthcare workers during the pandemic, thus we have approved this SARO to settle the government’s obligation for the health emergency allowance,” she stated.
The funds were charged to the Strengthening Assistance for Government Infrastructure and Social Programs (SAGIP) under the unprogrammed appropriations of the 2025 national budget. This release is based on the DOH’s updated request and reflects the government’s commitment not to neglect frontline health workers.
Final Settlement and Fund Distribution Urged
Pangandaman urged the DOH to expedite distribution of the allowance, noting that healthcare workers have been waiting long for these payments. Officials reported that this release marks the final PHEBA obligation of the government.
Since all claims have been settled, the pending P6.77 billion request for PHEBA under the 2026 National Expenditure Program will be deleted by Congress and excluded from the 2026 General Appropriations Act. As an unprogrammed appropriation, the funds are not automatically allocated but released upon meeting funding conditions.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa pledged to distribute the health emergency allowance to eligible workers within two months, urging LGUs and private hospitals to ensure timely and proper payments upon receipt of funds.
Challenges in Fund Release and Calls for Prompt Payment
Last year, the DOH reported delays in payments from LGU-run and private hospitals due to incomplete documentary requirements. Each non-DOH facility must sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DOH before funds are transferred.
Moreover, facilities cannot receive additional funds unless previously transferred amounts are fully liquidated or properly accounted for, as required by the Commission on Audit (COA) Circular No. 2012-001.
The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) expressed frustration over the prolonged delay. “We cannot ignore the fact that our health workers have been waiting for years since 2021, for what is rightfully theirs,” the group said. They emphasized the sacrifices of frontline workers who risked their lives and lamented that many passed away without receiving their due allowances.
Legal Basis and Allowance Details
The government’s grant of benefits to healthcare and non-healthcare workers during the pandemic is mandated by Republic Act No. 11712, enacted on April 27, 2022. The law entitles workers to monthly health emergency allowances for the duration of the public health emergency.
Allowance rates are set at P3,000 for low-risk, P6,000 for medium-risk, and P9,000 for high-risk deployment areas. Up to 2024, the DBM has released a total of P121.325 billion to the DOH to cover various COVID-19 related benefits, including the health emergency allowance, special risk allowance, sickness and death compensation, and other related allowances.
Audit and Oversight on Fund Utilization
During the Monthly Economic Managers’ Meeting in February 2025, the DOH requested an additional P6.727 billion. Both DBM and DOH agreed to ask the COA for a special audit of all previously released funds to ensure proper accounting and transparency in the disbursement of PHEBA claims.
Officials acknowledged concerns over why funding requirements for PHEBA remain uncertain nearly two years after the COVID-19 national public health emergency ended in July 2023.
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