The Philippines could face another COVID-19 surge as the virus further mutates, and a shortage of health care workers.
The warning was issued anew by Aksyon Demokratiko vice presidential bet Dr. Willie Ong and senatorial candidate Dr. Carl Balita at a press conference in Bacolod City Monday morning, April 4.
Ong and Balita said their “health tandem” will focus on the health needs of the country.
“In a month or two the Philippines could face another COVID-19 surge,” said Ong, who stressed the need for an infectious disease hospital in the National Capital Region to lessen surges and prevent the spread of the virus to the rest of the country.
He also stressed the need for more hospitals in other parts of the country.
Ong said if the national and local governments are adequately prepared for another COVID-19 surge lockdowns will not be necessary.
Balita also warned of a crisis in health care workers as more seek high paying jobs abroad.
“There is an impending crisis of human resource…We might lose our nurses in the next two to three years considering that the world needs 5.6 million nurses,” Balita said.
“There is no way we can match the salary offers of America and Europe,” he added.
If elected he will propose an “omnibus practice environment act” that will provide good salaries and better working conditions, Balita said.
If he and Ong win the Philippines will have better professionals in the Senate to address its health care needs, Balita said.
Ong, who is the running mate of presidential candidate Isko Moreno, said the emergence of a Isko-Sarah Duterte campaign in Negros is natural in politics.
“In politics there are a lot of mixes…but whatever they are doing I will continue with my campaign,” he said, adding that he can work with any of the presidential candidates who win.
Ong, who is a cardiologist, also said no matter what the survey numbers are, they will not stop him from running for vice president.
He does not engage in money politics and so far has not even spent P1 million for his campaign in comparison to others who have spent billions of pesos, Ong said.
Ong said he has not accepted campaign funds from businessmen so he will not be beholden to them if he wins, and can focus on serving the interest of the people.
Health care is a top need of the Filipino people, which he would address as vice president, Ong said.
Balita said he is the only licensed teacher and doctor of education running for senator, so he knows education better than any other senatorial bet.
He is also the first nurse and midwife to run for senator, and is an entrepreneurial guru having hosted a program called Radyo Negosyo for 20 years, Balita added.
“It’s not about our numbers (in the surveys), but it’s about our offering to the Filipino people…we are the new blood to be transfused in government,” he said.
Balita also said Ong has been offering free medical services for the past 27 days.
“Our victory is going to be a victory of the Filipino people as well,” he said.*