00:00 Some senators raised their concerns about the cuts in the health department's funding next year.
00:05 Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management explained why DOH's budget was reduced.
00:10 Daniel Manalastas has the details.
00:12 Senators expressed concern over the reported cuts
00:18 in the Department of Health's proposed budget for next year.
00:21 Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said they will look into this
00:26 and raised the issue during the budget hearing of the DOH.
00:30 Senate Health Committee Chairperson Senator Bong Go said he would instead
00:35 push for an increase of the department's budget.
00:51 Senate Minority Leader Coco Pimentel said the budget details of the DOH should be scrutinized,
00:58 saying there should be no wastage and leakages when it comes to the purchase of vaccines,
01:04 medicines and other supplies.
01:06 Senator JV Herzito said sacrifices can be made elsewhere,
01:10 but the budget for the health programs cannot be compromised.
01:14 Meanwhile, the Department of Budget and Management explained the budget cuts.
01:19 "Most of the DOH's budget cuts are amendments of Congress.
01:27 Additional, meaning congressional initiatives.
01:32 They add in the MAPE, HPEP, buildings and health facilities.
01:41 So, it's a non-recurring nature."
01:46 Senator Sunny Angara said they aim to finish the budget briefings in mid to late October
01:52 and sponsor the budget enactment in early November.
01:55 Daniel Manalastas for The Nation.
