“It is necessary to work with greater commitment at all levels to ensure that the right to health care is rendered effective… to establish a real distributive justice which, on the basis of objective needs, guarantees adequate care to all.”
– Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, Message to participants in the 25th International Conference organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers, November 15 2010
Charity is at the heart of Catholic Social Teachings. One cannot ignore the present, immediate needs of the impoverished in the hope of building a just society. Charity is intrinsically linked with justice, for to love others requires that one must first be just towards them. Consequently, the antithesis or negation of charity is injustice, social exclusion, and marginalization.
The proposed 2021 national budget does not guarantee adequate health care especially to the poorest of the poor and those severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Research group IBON expressed concern over the burgeoning budget on infrastructure amid the worst health crisis and economic decline in the country’s history. IBON noted that the proposed budget prioritizes infrastructure, debt, and militarization over health and other social services, agriculture, and industry. This is evidenced by the colossal budget for infrastructure projects (Build, build, build programs) amounting to Php 1.1 trillion (taking up 24% of the total budget) compared with Php 212.3 billion for health, Php 454.1 billion for social protection, and Php 5.1 billion support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The proposed budget likewise prioritizes debt-servicing and military expenditure amounting to a total of Php 740.6 billion over a minimal DOH budget of Php 131.7 billion or barely one-fifth of one percent (0.2%) of the total infrastructure spending.
IBON added that while the proposed Php 212.3-billion health budget is bigger than last year’s allocation, “allotment for facilities enhancement, epidemiological surveillance, for instance, were all reduced right when the country’s public health system sorely needs a boost.” Declines were also registered in the epidemiology and surveillance program, to P112.631 million from P115.501 million; and in the operations of national reference laboratories, down to P289.330 million from P326.330 million.
The proposed 2021 national budget is a glaring evidence that Philippine health recovery is not a priority for the Duterte administration as only a tiny fraction of the 2021 budget will be allocated for health.
A Catholic vision of health care promotes “[a] healthcare system… rooted in values that respect human dignity, protect human life, respect the principle of subsidiarity, and meet the needs of the poor and uninsured, especially the unborn children, pregnant women, immigrants, and other vulnerable populations.” (United States Conference of the Catholic Bishop, “Forming consciences for faithful citizenship”). The growing inequality in health care is due in part to the State’s abandonment of duty to protect and provide adequate health services. In a time where the county is hit by the worst health crisis and economic meltdown, the country needs to prioritize health and social assistance to the most vulnerable sectors of society. Amid economic hardships and massive unemployment, the poor needed not only charity but also justice.
Signed:
