DOH apologizes for P500 allowance, says it's what they normally gave volunteers

The Department of Health has apologized for its P500 allowance for volunteer doctors and health workers, which has come under fire from critics because of its measly amount.

"Humihingi rin po kami ng tawad kung ang impresyon na naibigay ng P500 daily allowance ay ganito lamang ang halaga na ibinibigay namin sa ating health care workers," DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual briefing on Saturday.

Vergeire added the amount was based on what they gave for volunteers during previous outbreaks.

"Hindi po ito mas lalayo pa sa katotohanan [...] 'Yung P500 po 'yan na inilagay natin sa ating protocol, allowance po 'yan na inilagay namin para meron po pang-araw araw ang ating mga health care workers."

The DOH has launched a Health Warrior Portal where 593 doctors have already volunteered as of Saturday.

She assured that the compensation of workers, the procurement of personal protective equipment, health facilities, and COVID-19 health packages will be taken care of after Congress passed a COVID-19 response package.

Confirmed cases in the country breached 1,000 on Saturday with 272 new reported infections. —Joahna Lei Casilao/JST, GMA News