In the wake of ‘Bato’ criticism
TACLOBAN CITY — Tingog Party-List Representative Jude Acidre countered criticisms from Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa regarding the party-list’s involvement in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with PhilHealth and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
Acidre, representing the Eastern Visayas-based party-list, called the senator’s remarks “misinformed” and a distraction from the MOA’s primary goal of addressing healthcare gaps in underserved communities. He clarified that the agreement aims to bolster rural healthcare infrastructure by enabling local government units (LGUs) to access DBP’s financial resources.
In a privilege speech, Dela Rosa questioned Tingog’s inclusion in the agreement, particularly as its other representative, Yedda Marie Romualdez, is the wife of House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The senator argued that healthcare-related initiatives should fall under the Department of Health (DOH) and LGU engagement under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Responding via social media, Acidre emphasized that Tingog would not manage funds or projects but would serve as a facilitator to complement national agencies’ efforts.
“This is a collaborative effort to address systemic healthcare challenges,” Acidre stated, reiterating that Tingog’s role is purely supportive.
He dismissed allegations of political motives, stressing the party-list’s focus on service and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Acidre assured the public that financial transactions under the MOA would occur directly between DBP and LGUs, with no funds routed through Tingog.
Acidre questioned Dela Rosa’s opposition to a program designed to uplift underserved communities, suggesting it might be an attempt to distract from ongoing controversies surrounding the senator’s past. He urged Dela Rosa to avoid politicizing initiatives aimed at improving public welfare.
This exchange comes amid political tensions involving Vice President Sara Duterte, an ally of Dela Rosa, and the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Recent impeachment complaints against Duterte have added fuel to the political discourse.
JOEY A. GABIETA, LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA
