Doc Nanay slams fake expert: Stop politicizing public health

HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin slammed a fake expert who has been criticizing the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Tingog Party-list, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) on the construction of hospitals and other medical facilities nationwide.

In her privileged speech on Monday, Garin pointed out that the MOA aims to expand hospital infrastructure across the country, debunking the statements of Tony Leachon that the agreement has been used for political purposes and has legality issues.

“We should stop politicizing public health…While doctors are busy working in their clinics, those in the academe are busy mentoring their students, and scientists who are busy in the field and their laboratories. There are just some who love chaos and cannot live if they don’t create chaos pretending to be experts in every aspect of the medical field, where in reality, they just want to grab airtime,” the lawmaker and former health secretary stressed.

The Iloilo First District Representative also noted that lawmakers can be involved in issues relating to health as they are not only the voices of the people but they also look into the gaps that need urgent help.

She likewise challenged those who are criticizing the MOA to help in the health sector and “walk their talk.”

“Hindi naman sinasabi na bawal tumulong ang iba. ‘Yung mga maiingay dyan at nagpapanggap na eksperto, I dare them to come out in the open and do the tasks and address the gaps we face at the present,” Garin said.

Moreover, Garin underscored that the MOA outlines Tingog’s role in supporting local government units (LGUs) by helping them access the DBP’s financial mechanisms through fiscal training, capacity-building, and other initiatives; funds will not be transferred to Tingog and financial arrangements are strictly between the DBP and LGUs, all subject to DBP’s mechanisms for accessing the loan.