The memorandum of agreement between the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), PhilHealth, and Tingog partylist, which aims to expand hospital infrastructure and improve healthcare funding nationwide, should be rendered null and void.
Teddy Casiño, chairperson of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and a senatorial candidate from the Makabayan bloc, stated that while funding for hospitals and health facilities is critically important, it certainly does not necessitate the involvement of intermediaries such as Tingog, represented by the spouse of House Speaker Romualdez, Yedda.
“DBP, Philhealth and Tingog partylist should rescind their odious MOA. Funding for hospitals and health facilities is desperately needed, yes, but definitely no need for fixers like Tingog, represented by House Speaker Romualdez’s wife Yedda, to dip its dirty fingers in the pie,” Casiño expressed this in his post on X (formerly known as Twitter).
According to reports, under the memorandum of agreement, Tingog is tasked with facilitating the participation of local government units (LGUs), providing complementary training programs, and managing medical assistance for patients. (ROSE NOVENARIO)
Health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon has raised concerns regarding the necessity and appropriateness of including a political organization in a project involving public funds, especially with the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
“This MOA risks turning healthcare financing into a political tool, eroding public trust and compromising the financial stability of PhilHealth,” Leachon cautioned. (ROSE NOVENARIO)
