Senate conducts public hearing on Universal Health Care bill in Albay

The Albay Provincial Government hosted a Senate pubic hearing yesterday, March 1, on the proposed Universal Health Care law at Albay Capitol.

Governor Al Francis Bichara, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, Chairperson Committee of Health and Demography, presided the hearing that was also attended by other Senators.

Other Senators present were Senator Sonny Angara, Joel Villanueva, Nancy Binay, Senator Risa Hontiveros. Secretary of Department Health Francisco Duque was also present.

“This is the first time that the senate will have a hearing here in our province”, Governor Al Francis Bichara said during the hearing.

Bichara thanked the Senators for choosing Albay as the venue for the public hearing amid the disruptive activities of Mayon Volcano.

The hearing also served as a consultation for the public as well.

“We wanted to make sure that all regions, all the areas… the bill will be heard.” Sen. JV Ejercito added.

Board Members, Mayors, and Councilors from different municipalities and districts were also present.

Rep. Helen Tan, Sen. Ejerito’s counterpart at the lower House, was also present to address questions about the proposed measure.

Senator Ejercito said he conducted inspection to government hospitals around Philippines to assess real situation of the hospitals.

“Ang problema talaga is over crowding tas mga kulang na pasilidad,” he said.

“Ito po ay total reform of the public system.” Rep. Tan said for her part.

The next public hearing on the said bill will be conducted in Northern Luzon.