The previous administration of Bacolod City failed to distribute an estimated 8,000 Bacolod Comprehensive Health Program (BacCHP) cards, despite promising healthcare assistance to residents.
The discovery was brought to light by current Mayor Greg Gasataya, who is now demanding a full explanation.
During a press conference on Monday, August 18, Gasataya revealed that thousands of unreleased health cards were found three weeks ago. He has since ordered an official inquiry, with a notice to explain sent to former BacCHP head Mae Cuaycong.
“The point is, why were they not distributed?” Gasataya asked, highlighting that the cards, which were paid for by the city at a cost of P128 each, represent a broken promise to the city’s most vulnerable residents.
While Cuaycong claimed that only 2,000 to 3,000 cards were left undistributed due to the recent election ban, Mayor Gasataya’s office insists the actual number is much higher, with a count of 7,978 unreleased cards and 13 duplicates.
The delay has left thousands of registered beneficiaries without the physical card needed to access their P15,000 in hospital assistance.
Current BacCHP focal person Marty Go confirmed that the undistributed cards are now being delivered to the residents, assuring the public that all registered members will still be covered by the program.
The city has a total of 144,691 BacCHP beneficiaries, and officials have confirmed that the program’s P137,655,000 budget for the year is sufficient to cover all medical claims.
