The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday said that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and Administration and Financial Management Team Undersecretary. Leopoldo Vega are leading DOH offices and operating units to comply with the recommendation of COA on its 2020 Annual Audit Report and to comply with the directive of fast tracking the provision of Special Risk Allowance (SRA) to more healthcare workers.

The DOH maintains that the Php67.3 billion is accounted for and has 60 days to comply with the recommendations of COA and report actions the Department has taken through submission of the Agency Action Plan and Status of Implementation (AAPSI). Moreover, COA has previously clarified that their report does not mention any findings of funds lost to corruption.

“DOH offices and operating units are now working double time to comply with the COA audit findings within 60 days or less. Gaya ng sinabi ko noon, bukas na bukas po ang aming tanggapan upang makipagtulungan sa COA upang mapabuti pa ang aming mga proseso at mapagsilbihan ng mas mabuti ang ating mga kababayan,” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.”

“We have always been cooperative with the yearly audit of COA. The DOH always strives to comply with its yearly audit recommendations and this year will not be different,” said DOH Undersecretary Leopoldo Vega.   

The Department also said that CHDs are now coordinating with LGUs together with public and private hospitals to submit the remaining list of healthcare workers eligible for SRA who have yet to receive the benefit. The Department of Health is also closely working together with the Department of Budget and Management to secure funds for the grant of the said benefits.

“I have also given marching orders to concerned offices to comply with the directives of the President on distributing SRA to our healthcare workers within 10 days. Dapat  maibigay ang SRA ng mga healthcare workers natin na hindi pa nakakatanggap nito. Patuloy natin sisiguraduhin na makuha ng ating healthcare workers ang kanilang mga benepisyo na naayon sa ating batas, ” added Sec. Duque.