THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Health (DOH) have jointly requested a special audit of the P121.325 billion released for Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) from 2020-2023. This follows ongoing issues with funding discrepancies and numerous appeals for additional payments.
The audit, to be conducted by the Commission on Audit, aims to ensure proper accounting of funds allocated for Special Risk Allowance, Health Emergency Allowance/One COVID-19 Allowance, COVID-19 Sickness and Death Compensation, and other benefits.
The DBM initially released the full amount, supposedly covering all healthcare and non-healthcare workers, based on a DOH report submitted in April 2024.
Despite this, additional funding requests totaling P6.8 billion have emerged, raising concerns about the fluctuating nature of PHEBA funding requirements. Even after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lifted the state of public health emergency in July 2023, the need for additional funds persists, creating uncertainty for the government’s budgetary obligations.
The discrepancies came to light after Senate hearings in April and May 2024, where the DOH requested an additional P27.453 billion.
This amount was subsequently released via Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) in July 2024. However, further appeals and requests from health facilities not covered by previous releases continued to surface. As of December 12, 2024, the total funding requirement is estimated at P148.125 billion (P121.325 billion + P27.453 billion + P6.8 billion).
To address the situation, the DOH has committed to finalizing the list of PHEBA recipients to prevent future inconsistencies. The special audit is expected to provide clarity and ensure accountability in the disbursement of these crucial healthcare worker benefits.
