House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin defended the Memorandum of Agreement ( MOA) between Tingog Party-list, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on the construction of hospitals and other medical facilities nationwide.
In a privilege speech, Garin pointed out the MOA aims to expand hospital infrastructure across the country, debunking the statements of physician Tony Leachon that the agreement has been used for political purposes and has legality issues.
“We should stop politicizing public health,” Garin said, responding to the criticisms of Leachon. She described the outspoken doctor as someone who ‘pretends to be an expert in every aspect of the medical field.’
Garin, representative of Iloilo’s first district and former Health secretary, noted that lawmakers can be involved in issues relating to health as they are not only the voices of the people, but they also look into the gaps in public services that need urgent help.
Similarly, Garin challenged those who are criticizing the MOA to help in the health sector and “walk their talk.”
“…I dare them to come out in the open and do the tasks and address the gaps we face at the present,” she said.
Garin underscored that the MOA outlines Tingog’s role in supporting local government units (LGUs) by helping them access the DBP’s financial mechanisms through fiscal training, capacity-building, and other initiatives.
The funds will not be transferred to Tingog and financial arrangements are strictly between the DBP and LGUs, all subject to DBP’s mechanisms for accessing the loan.