Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is proposing that the P7,000 yearly medical allowance granted to government employees beginning 2025 be used to secure medical insurance instead of receiving it as cash.
Lacson believes that utilizing the P7,000 as a premium for medical insurance would provide more comprehensive healthcare coverage for employees compared to receiving the funds directly. He expressed concern that not all employees would utilize the cash allowance for medical expenses.
The governor plans to discuss this proposal with officials from the Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) recently approved Budget Circular No. 2024-6, outlining guidelines for the P7,000 allowance as mandated by Executive Order (EO) No. 64 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in August 2024.
“If we can insure everybody using the P7,000 as payment of premium, the medical coverage of the employees will be significantly better,” the governor stated.
He emphasized that regular provincial government employees already benefit from the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program, which provides up to P5,000 in healthcare assistance.
