Eight candidates vying for a Senate seat in the May 13, 2019 polls on Sunday gave different answers on how to make healthcare more affordable to all Filipinos needing treatment.
During the "Harapan 2019: The ABS-CBN Senatorial Town Hall Debate," senatorial candidate Toti Casiño said he believes the government should prioritize affordable nourishment for mothers and children from pregnancy until early childhood.
For his part, Leody De Guzman believes that healthcare should not be privatized as such a scheme turns healthcare into a business rather than a service.
"Ang problema pina-privatize ang healthcare ginagawang negosyo dapat serbisyo.... Dapat baliktarin ang mga patakarang 'yan," he said.
(The problem is healthcare is being privatized and turned into a business. We should reverse this policy)
Reelectionist Sen. JV Ejercito believes the signing of the Universal Health Care law which provides Philhealth coverage for all Filipino families, already provides affordable healthcare to the public.
His fellow candidate, Dado Padilla, also said he believes that the Universal Healthcare Law is sufficient.
Elmer Francisco, a vegan, said a "plant-based diet" should be promoted, claiming meat has adverse effects to one's health. He also believes the issue of pollution has to be addressed.
Rodolfo Javellana meanwhile said he would push for a moratorium on debt payments so that the government will have more funds for healthcare.
Dan Roleda said rural services should be mandatory for nursing and medical students for "continuity" in providing health care services to the barrios and rural areas. Roleda said he also wants a measure requiring barangay health workers to go around barangays.
Ernesto Arellano said healthcare is an obligation of the state. He said he wants to "enlarge" the coverage of the Universal Healthcare Law.
inflation, Harapan 2019, Halalan 2019, 2019 elections, Senatorial Townhall Debate, Senate, polls, senators,