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Cayetano defends DOH’s budget: Sen. Pia Cayetano, vice chairperson of the Committee on Finance, answers questions from colleagues as she defends the proposed P400.9 billion budget of the Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies and corporations during the hybrid marathon plenary session Wednesday, November 17, 2021. In her opening statement, Cayetano underscored the importance of having a budget that will close the gaps in the country’s health care and response system exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and focus not only on addressing the current pandemic, but also on further strengthening primary health care pursuant to the principles of the Universal Health Care law. “We hope to continue to work with our colleagues in passing a budget that can respond to COVID-19 and at the same time, ensure that we can continue to improve and future-proof our health care system in preparation for possible new pandemic and for the general well-being of our people,” Cayetano said. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)