Commending our Frontliners

SENATE President Vicente Sotto III salutes the men and women in the healthcare profession and all the other frontliners as the country struggles to battle and contain the worsening COVID-19 pandemic.

Sotto on Wednesday filed Senate Resolution No. 351 honoring and commending the sacrifice, bravery and heroism of the hundreds of doctors, nurses, healthcare support and essential manpower who have opted to leave the comforts and safety of their homes to serve the sick and those afflicted with the fatal novel coronavirus.

"The supreme sacrifice of our doctors, nurses and other frontliners in order to protect this nation against the COVID-19 pandemic should not be forgotten and deserves the highest commendation," Sotto said.

Among other frontliners, Sotto commended the ultimate sacrifice made by 13 doctors who succumbed to the deadly disease while treating their patients: Dr. Israel Bactol of the Philippine Heart Center, Dr. Rose Pulido of san Juan de Dios Hospital, Dr. Gregorio Macasaet III of the Manila Doctors Hospital, Dr. Raul Jara of the Philippine Heart Center, Dr. Henry Fernandez of Pangasinan Medical Society, Dr. Marcelo Jaochico of Pampanga Provincial health Office, Dr. Raquel Seva of Evangelista Specialty Hospital, Dr. Hector Alvarez of Novaliches District Hospital, Dr. Sally Gatchalian, president of the Philippine Pediatric Society; dr. Francisco Lukban of Philippine General Hospital, Dr. Cenover 'Nicko' Bautista of Mandaluyong City Medical Center, and spouses Dr. Dennis and Dr. Helen Tudtud of Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center.

The Senate President who is also the principal author of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act said "the nation is grieving their loss and other frontliners who chose to serve their countrymen, sacrificing their life in the process."

We cannot thank our frontliners enough but honoring them by the Senate, who represents the people could somehow show them our heartfelt gratitude," Sotto added.

"As soon as we rise from this crisis, we should come up with necessary measures to ensure the safety and well-being of our frontliners in the medical, allied and other fields. We should be ready the next time that a similar dilemma cripples the health industry," Sotto said.

The Senate will act on Sotto's resolution when it resumes sessions after the Holy Week break.