AnaKalusugan Party-list Rep. Ray T. Reyes is urging fellow lawmakers in the Senate to prioritize the passage of the proposed Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs).
“We urge the Senate to prioritize the passage of its version of the Magna Carta for BHWs. Matagal na po nagtitiis ang ating mga BHWs at siguro naman napapanahon na para pakinggan natin ang kanilang mga hinaing,” Reyes said.
Reyes made the call after reports said more than 80,000 BHWs were removed “without due process” by barangay officials who won in the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
The lawmaker had earlier filed House Bill No. 1829, which bats for the Magna Carta to empower BHWs and provide them with additional health benefits, compensation, and incentives.
“Maling mali po ang biglaang pagtanggal sa ating mga BHWs. This further highlights the need for a law that will safeguard the rights of our BHWs and ensure that they are protected against unjust removal,” he added.
The lawmaker had earlier filed House Bill No. 1829, which bats for the Magna Carta to empower BHWs and provide them with additional health benefits, compensation, and incentives.
The bill has since been consolidated into HB No.6557, which the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading on Dec. 12, 2022.
“Primary healthcare services should always be a priority and we hope that giving proper compensation and benefits to our BHWs will encourage more people to serve in our communities, especially in remote areas,” Reyes said.
