Philippines fails to pass key health worker bills, sparking outcry from unions

On the final day of the Philippine Congress session, hopes for long-promised reforms for Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) were dashed as lawmakers failed to pass three landmark measures: the BHW Magna Carta, a ₱200 legislated wage increase, and key amendments to the Universal Health Care Law.

The bills, championed by National Federation of Barangay Health Workers, the UNI Philippine Liaison Council and their supporters, promised legal recognition, living wages, and stronger protections for the country’s grassroots health frontliners. Their rejection has triggered a wave of frustration and renewed resolve among workers and labour leaders alike.

“This is not just a legislative setback—it’s a betrayal of the people who keep our communities healthy, often at the cost of their own well-being,” said Rajendra Acharya, Regional Secretary of UNI Asia & Pacific.  “But make no mistake: the movement is only growing stronger. We will stand with every BHW in every barangay until justice is delivered.”

BHWs have long worked under informal conditions, often without pay, legal protection, or health insurance, despite being essential to the country’s public health system.

Alan Sable, Head of Care at UNI Global Union, emphasized that the defeat should not mark the end of the movement. “Every major union victory I’ve ever been a part of had moments like this—when it felt like everything was lost,” Sable said. “But we kept going. Today, we’re heartbroken, yes. But our BHW associations are stronger than ever. We will return to Congress with more unity and resolve than before.”

UNI Global Union reaffirms its support for BHW unions and called on members to continue organizing and strengthening alliances ahead of the next legislative session.

“The Barangay Health Workers, will never give up in the fight for dignity—because dignity is not a luxury, it’s a right,” said Roland De La Cruz, President of the UNI Philippine Liaison Council.

“Our service in the most challenging times has always come from a place of love and commitment, not recognition or reward. But enough is enough. We are also redoubling our call for the immediate release of the unpaid Health Emergency Allowance (HEA) owed to thousands of frontline health workers who risked everything during the pandemic. Justice delayed is justice denied—and we will not allow this debt to be ignored.”

As the Philippine Congress closes its doors for the season, BHWs and their allies are opening a new chapter in their fight—one driven not by defeat, but by determination.