MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is now being urged to sign the Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) into law, stressing that the bill has long been in the works and is now simply awaiting the President’s signature.

The Magna Carta for Barangay Health Workers is designed to professionalize BHWs, providing them with fair compensation, access to training, and official recognition in government plantilla positions.

“Niratipikahan na ng Senado at Kamara ang BICAM Report sa Magna Carta para sa Barangay Health Workers. Ang kailangan na lang ay ang lagda ng Pangulo,” Senator Koko Pimentel said. 

“Wala dapat maging balakid sa pagpirma nito dahil dumaan ito sa masusing pag-aaral, lalo na sa aspeto ng pondo,” he added.

Pimentel, who voted in favor of Senate Bill No. 2838, highlighted the importance of the bill in recognizing and protecting the rights of the country’s over 400,000 Barangay Health Workers, who have continued to serve communities despite facing financial challenges.

In Marikina, where BHWs have been pivotal in handling community health initiatives, local volunteers joined Pimentel’s call, emphasizing the need for adequate funding and security. Despite their essential roles in vaccination programs and emergency response, many BHWs in the city have worked for years without proper benefits.

“Matagal nang naglilingkod ang ating BHWs sa mga komunidad, lalo na noong pandemya. Panahon na para mabigyan sila ng nararapat na benepisyo at suporta,” Pimentel said.

In an effort to secure funds for the honoraria of BHWs, Pimentel earlier proposed raising taxes on vape and heated tobacco products, a move he suggested could help ensure fair compensation for the health workers.

“Kailangan nating tiyakin na may sapat na pondo para sa kanilang honoraria. Isa sa mga maaaring pagkunan ay ang mas mataas na buwis sa vape at heated tobacco products,” he explained.

With the Magna Carta for BHWs now in limbo, only waiting for the President’s signature, Pimentel expressed hope there wouldn’t be any delays or vetoes, though he remains cautious about the outcome.

“Matagal nang hinihintay ng ating Barangay Health Workers ang batas na ito. Umaasa tayo na pipirmahan ito ng Pangulo nang walang anumang hadlang,” Pimentel said.