MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has instructed Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Mel Robles to give away ambulances regardless if the recipients are allied with the administration or not.
The healthcare system in the Philippines should not be politicized, according to the Chief Executive.
“Noong kami ay bagong upo, ang instruction ko talaga kay GM Mel ay kapag pinag-uusapan ang ambulansya, healthcare na ‘yan. Buhay na ng tao ‘yan. Dapat huwag nang pinupulitika ‘yan,” Marcos said.
President Marcos observed that people with influence or those who have connections in local government units (LGUs) easily get ambulances or other medical services.
On Tuesday, President Marcos distributed one ambulance each to 87 LGUs in Calabarzon, 25 LGUs in the Bicol region, eight LGUs in Central Luzon, six LGUs in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and three LGUs in Cagayan Valley.
The ambulance distribution was under the PCSO’s Medical Transport Vehicle Donation Program (MTVDP) that aims to improve the healthcare delivery system in underserved regions.
Each ambulance costs approximately P2.1 million and it comes with essential medical tools like a stretcher, oxygen tank, blood pressure monitor, and wheelchair.
The President stressed that the ambulances would provide swift and secure transport of patients to healthcare facilities during emergencies as part of his administration’s plan to provide free medical services and specialized equipment.
“These vehicles are vital resources to support our heroes in the medical field — our first responders —kasama diyan siyempre ‘yung ating mga healthcare workers, ngunit nangunguna diyan talaga ang mga LGU,” Marcos said.
“They will provide timely medical intervention by transporting patients to hospitals. Many times, these vehicles make the difference between life and death,” he added./PN
