Coun. Edwin Pureza seeks to lock in HMO aid for city workers

By Engr. Jay B. Laurino Councilor Dr. Edwin J. Pureza delivers his privilege speech on strengthening HMO financial assistance for Lucena Cit...

By Engr. Jay B. Laurino

Councilor Dr. Edwin J. Pureza delivers his privilege speech on strengthening HMO financial assistance for Lucena City government employees during a recent session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. (Sangguniang Panlungsod - Lucena City)

LUCENA CITY, Quezon - Councilor Dr. Edwin J. Pureza used his privilege speech during a recent session of the Lucena City Council to push for stronger safeguards for HMO financial assistance for city government employees. He argued that healthcare benefits should not depend on shifting priorities or changing administrations.

The proposal, titled “Kalusugan Bilang Prayoridad: Pagpapatatag ng HMO Financial Assistance para sa mga Lingkod-Bayan,” was presented during the June 8 regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Pureza urged the city government to establish a permanent framework for funding and managing employee healthcare benefits.



At the center of the proposal is the medical allowance authorized under DBM Budget Circular No. 2024-6. The policy grants qualified government personnel up to P7,000 annually for HMO coverage and other health-related expenses.

Lucena City employees are already receiving HMO financial assistance under an existing city program. Pureza's proposal seeks to strengthen the system through clearer policies, employee participation and long-term funding safeguards.

The benefit already exists, but its long-term continuity remains a policy question for many government agencies. That concern formed the core of Pureza's appeal before the city council.

Pureza said the challenge is no longer creating the benefit but ensuring that it endures. He called for policies that would protect the program from future budget and policy shifts.

“Hindi sapat na magkaroon lamang ng programa. Ang mas mahalagang hamon ay kung paano natin masisiguro na ito ay magpapatuloy, mapapalawak at higit sa lahat ay pakikinabangan ng lahat ng kwalipikadong empleyado sa mga darating na taon,” Pureza said.

He proposed regular funding, transparent HMO selection and continuous program reviews. He also sought a larger role for the Lucena City Government Employees Organization in decisions involving employee healthcare coverage.

The proposal targets a common weakness in government programs: continuity. Pureza wants healthcare assistance anchored in policy rather than administrative preference.

“Ang kalusugan ng ating mga empleyado ay hindi prebilehiyo. Kapag malusog ang mga lingkod-bayan, mas matatag ang kakayahan ng pamahalaan na tugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan araw-araw,” Pureza said.

Vice Mayor Roderick Alcala responded that the city government had already implemented the HMO assistance program. He said employees had also participated in shaping its implementation through their organization.

Alcala pointed to existing executive guidelines and urged coordination before a resolution is filed. His remarks shifted the discussion from implementation to whether additional legislative backing is needed.

Pureza agreed to coordinate with the executive branch as he prepares a formal proposal. The next debate will focus on whether the program remains an administrative policy or gains stronger legal protection through council action.