MANILA — The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released P6.77 billion to cover the unpaid COVID-19 allowances of healthcare and non-healthcare workers, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wednesday that the funds will settle 1,411,546 Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) claims from 2021 to 2023. These include claims from local government units, private health facilities, state universities, and other institutions.

“The release of funds underscores the government’s appreciation for the sacrifices of healthcare and non-healthcare workers, especially those who served during the pandemic,” Castro said in a Palace briefing.

The DBM earlier disbursed a total of ₱121.325 billion in 2024 to cover PHEBA and other allowances. This included ₱27.383 billion for health emergency allowances and ₱70.7 million for the COVID-19 compensation package, based on validated Department of Health (DOH) claims as of April 26, 2024.

In February 2025, the DOH requested an additional ₱6.727 billion to cover pending claims. Castro said the department has vowed to immediately release the newly approved funds to qualified workers once received.

She added that the DOH has reminded LGUs, private hospitals, and clinics to promptly distribute allowances to eligible personnel.

The government authorized the grant of benefits and compensation to healthcare and non-healthcare workers who rendered service during the state of public health emergency due to COVID-19.