Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released PHP6.767 billion to fund the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) for medical workers in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved this allocation to cover 1,411,546 PHEBA claims spanning from 2021 to 2023. These claims originate from local government units, private health facilities, state universities, and other institutions across the nation. The funds have been sourced from the Strengthening Assistance for Government Infrastructure and Social Programs (SAGIP) under the Unprogrammed Appropriations of the 2025 General Appropriations Act.

The national government had previously authorized benefits and compensation for healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-healthcare workers (non-HCWs) who served during the public health emergency caused by the coronavirus pandemic. The DBM had already allocated and released PHP121.325 billion to the Department of Health (DOH) to fund benefits such as the Special Risk Allowance, Health Emergency Allowance or One Covid-19 Allowance, Covid-19 Sickness and Death Compensation, as well as other allowances for meals, accommodation, and transportation.

In 2024, the DOH sought an additional PHP27.453 billion to fully meet the PHEBA program's requirements. However, during the monthly economic managers' meeting on February 17, 2025, the DOH submitted an updated request for PHP6.727 billion in additional funds.

Pangandaman urged the DOH to expedite the distribution of these health benefits and allowances to both HCWs and non-HCWs. She emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of health workers, citing the President's directive not to neglect them. Pangandaman also highlighted that the DBM had released over PHP27 billion last year to address the DOH's declared balance in the Health Emergency Allowance, totaling more than PHP121 billion in PHEBA payments for 2024.