Senator Christopher Go on Thursday warned the public against “fraudulent” social media posts using the Malasakit Centers’ logo to promote bogus loan assistance.
The Department of Health (DOH) has also sounded the alarm against Facebook pages illicitly using the name and logo of the Malasakit Program, purportedly suggesting they were online outlets for the centers.
Go said these platforms were not associated with the legitimate Malasakit Centers, known for their role as one-stop shops within government hospitals, delivering medical and financial assistance to impoverished patients.
Go, chief proponent of the Malasakit Centers program, emphasized their role in returning public funds to people through dependable medical services, primarily benefiting the underprivileged.
“Our goal with Malasakit Centers has always been clear: to ensure that every Filipino, regardless of their financial status, can access medical assistance from the government for their healthcare needs,” said Go.
Malasakit Centers bring together representatives from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Phi Health), and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
These one-stop shops aim to support impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount.
Go was also the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.
Currently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide, ready to assist with patients’ medical expenses.
The DOH reported that the Malasakit program has already provided aid to some 10 million Filipinos. Macon Ramos-Araneta
Go also warned against the dubious use of the Malasakit Center’s name, underscoring that these counterfeit platforms undermine the trust and efficiency established by the legitimate centers. He supported DOH’s stance on legal action against the individuals responsible for these fraudulent activities.
“We will not tolerate any actions that exploit the good intentions of Malasakit Centers. The legal measures being considered are necessary to protect our citizens and ensure the continued integrity of these centers,” Go added.
The DOH considered pressing criminal charges against the creators of the fraudulent social media pages to safeguard the public interest and maintain the integrity of the Malasakit Program.