The Alliance of Health Workers (AHW) stands in solidarity with the Health Workers Partly List in condemning the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for its recent decision to dismiss Health Workers Party-list’s petition for registration. This decision not only undermines the democratic process but also silences the voices of health workers who strive to represent their interests and advocate for their economic and democratic rights as well as the people’s right to quality health care.
On August 2, 2024, COMELEC En Banc resolved to dismiss the Petition for Registration of Health Workers Partylist to run in the 2025 midterm election. The decision, based on the technical distinctions between a sectoral organization and a sectoral party, effectively prevents health workers from genuine representation in the Philippine Congress.
Health workers have been on the frontlines, risking their lives to provide quality care and support during the deadly COVID-19 pandemic, which has wreaked havoc on humanity. Even though the pandemic lifted, nothing has changed to health workers’ dismal situation: wages are still low, benefits are unimplemented and withheld while security of tenure is threatened. Acute issues such as shortages of and overworked health personnel, along with inadequate facilities, supplies, and medicines, continue to plague them.
Thus, it is just right and imperative that their voices will be heard and represented in the government, especially that we navigate the complexities of health policies and reforms.
AHW call on the attention of COMELEC Commissioners to reconsider its stance and to uphold the principles of democracy that allow for diverse representation in our political arena. Health workers deserve a platform to advocate for better working conditions, living wage, security of tenure and other comprehensive healthcare policies that benefit not only themselves but the people that they serve.
AHW urge all health workers, allies, health advocates and the public to unite in support of Health Workers Partylist and to demand from the COMELEC to let Health Workers Run in the 2025 midterm election.
Lastly, they call on health workers to unite and ensure that their voices are not silenced as they continue to fight for their rights and welfare and people’s right to health. #
