Manila, Sept. 2 -- The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of PHP6.767 billion to cover the payment of Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances (PHEBA) of medical workers.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of funds, which will cover a total of 1,411,546 PHEBA claims from 2021 to 2023 from local government units and private health facilities, state universities, and other institutions in the country.

The fund was charged against the Strengthening Assistance for Government Infrastructure and Social Programs (SAGIP) under the Unprogrammed Appropriations of 2025 General Appropriations Act, the DBM said.

To recall, the national government authorized the grant of benefits and compensation ...