Saving Philhealth

With contributions from private, government and informal sectors and lifetime members and other indirect contributors like the senior citizens under the National Housing Targeting System coming to a halt, Philhealth officials express fear that it may not be able to sustain its role in providing health care services to its members. Thus, the poor and the destitute members of our society who rely most often for their medical needs and expenses from Philhealth are apt to suffer the most, it being that they can hardly afford the professional services of medical private practitioners. In a live broadcast report this evening however, this writer is glad to note the assurance of Minority Senator Franklin Drilon that Congress will see to it that the necessary funding appropriation will be infused to Philhealth for the latter to continue its basic services even without contributions from the private, government and informal sectors and other lifetime members. It is our hope that members of the Lower House of Congress will hid the clarion call of Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon considering that under our laws appropriation measures shall originate from the Lower House. Considering that Congress will go on recess by June 30th, it is our hope that the measure will catch up before the session ends.

While the entire country is now under General Quarintine (GCQ), Covid-19 is still in our midst and experts have expressed the opinion that it will remain with us for sometime. These experts therefore, are urging all persons to continue observing the protocol by wearing face masks, face shields and the six-meter distance requirement whenever they are in public. Let us all hid this advice in the greater interest of our health and that of the general public.

This column urges the government to deeply look into anomalies related to Philhealth operations and put things in order so that it can properly do its mandate as a government agency.

TRIVIA:

Greetings to our daughter “Ginny” (Ma. Virginia) who is celebrating her 50th birthday anniversary tomorrow, June 24. Ginny is our youngest daughter, mom to beautiful granddaughters Toni who is in 11th grade while Sam is finishing her thesis in Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Sciences.

Through this column allow me to express in my own behalf and that of my spouse Minda, our most sincere and heartfelt condolence for the passing of our good friend Jojo Villafuerte, former barangay captain of Brgy. Peñafrancia. In life Jojo was humble, soft-spoken, friendly and easily approachable.

Condolence also to Judge Salvador Cajot, Sr. and his bereaved family for the untimely demise of his kind spouse Lily Pardilla-Cajot. Her remains is presently at Funeraria Imperial at Peñafrancia. The internment is scheduled tomorrow after a Eucharistic Celebration at Virgin of Peñafrancia Church;

Likewise, this writer expressed his condolence and that of his spouse Minda to boss Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco who recently crossed The Great Beyond. His remains now lies in Tarlac where a necrological services will be held before his internment tomorrow. Boss Danding Cojuangco was the founder and honorary president for life of the Nationalists People’s Coalition (NPC) to which this writer belongs. Years back this writer together with the late then Gov. Felix A. Fuentebella and his son Noli joined him in his campaign sorties for the nation’s presidency in Camarines Sur particularly Libmanan in the 1st District, Goa in Partido and in Naga. His son Danding, Jr. is presently a member of the present House of Representative.

Belated greetings to spouses Jaime “Jun” Kalaw and Emily Kalaw who celebrated their respective birthday anniversaries recently. Jun’s Nth birthday anniversary was last June 30 while that of Emily’s is today July 1. May you enjoy your respective special days.

QUOTATION OF THE WEEK:

“THE BIGGEST THINGS IN TODAY’S SORROW IS THE MEMORY OF YESTERDAY’S JOY” KAHLIL GIBRAN

FOR OUR WORD OF LIFE:

“THEY WILL BE CALLED OAKS OF JUSTICE PLANTED BY THE LORD TO SHOW HIS GLORY,” ISAIAH 61:24