DBM assures prompt processing of request for Covid allowance

MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Thursday vowed to ramp up the processing of the request to release approximately PHP63 billion for the provision of the One Covid-19 Allowance (OCA).

The DBM stated that once the Department of Health (DOH) is able to submit all the documentary requirements, it will facilitate the immediate release of funds for medical front-liners’ OCA.

“As long as DOH can address the deficiencies in the documentary requirements, DBM will immediately process the request to release funds, based on available budget,” it said in a press statement.

Several health professionals expressed dismay in August over the supposed delay in OCA distribution.

The DBM stated that it is working with the DOH to ensure that healthcare workers receive their Covid-19 benefits.

“The DBM empathizes with our healthcare workers, and we are working hard with the Department of Health to ensure that they are accorded with the allowances and benefits that they deserve,” it said.

The DBM already released in February this year a total of PHP7.92 billion for disbursement of OCA to around 526,727 eligible public and private healthcare workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs involved in the Covid-19 response.

On May 26, the DOH requested anew for the release of PHP63 billion for the distribution of OCA, but failed to submit all the needed requirements, according to the DBM.

“On June 8, DBM sent them a response letter requesting them to address the deficiencies on the documentary requirements they submitted. Essentially, we requested them to substantiate their request by sending us the budget breakdown, segregation, actual names of claimants, and other relevant documents for us to clearly determine the universe of eligible beneficiaries,” the DBM said.

The DBM also stated that it had several meetings with the DOH to discuss the data requirement.

“DOH replied to us on July 15, but they were only able to address and substantiate documents that are related to unpaid COVID-19 sickness and death claims for FY (fiscal year) 2020 and 2021 worth PHP570 million, which enabled us to release the same amount in August,” it said.

Republic Act (RA) 11712 authorizes the distribution of OCA to medical front-liners.

In accordance with RA 11712, HCWs and non-HCWs are referred to as individuals working in medical facilities and vaccination sites, as well as those involved in Covid-19 response efforts, outsourced personnel exposed to Covid-19, or other public health threats, and village health workers.

Each HCW and non-HCW will receive Covid-19 benefits depending on their level of exposure to the disease.

Those OCA recipients identified as being at high risk for Covid-19 will receive a monthly benefit of PHP9,000, while those deployed in moderate and low-risk areas will receive PHP6,000 and PHP3,000, respectively.

HCWs and non-HCWs who physically report to work for at least 96 hours per month will receive the full benefit. If not, the benefit will be prorated.