FOURTH District Board Member Jerry Agerico Rosario denied causing delays in PhilHealth incentives for employees of the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) during the December 15 Sangguniang Panlalawigan session.

The controversy arose after Dr. Evangeline Peralta reportedly told hospital staff during a December 9 flag ceremony at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH)  that a “board member from Manaoag” had caused the delay. Subsequent text messages circulated among employees explicitly named Rosario.

He rejected the accusations, stressing that a single board member has no authority to withhold hospital benefits and that no Sangguniang Panlalawigan ordinance justifies such action.

Rosario explained that his comments during the annual budget hearing focused on four points: promoting transparency, ensuring equitable distribution of incentives, reviewing legal and ethical ceilings, and implementing a performance-based incentive system. He emphasized that these measures were meant to protect hospital workers, not deprive them of benefits.

He expressed dismay over “rabid” social media reactions, citing his experience as a physician who served for years without salary, professional fees, or PhilHealth benefits at the PPH and Urdaneta District Hospital. “My concerns were never about removing shares from our physicians and hospital workers,” he said, stressing that legislators must safeguard public funds and ensure fair distribution.

Urging officials and hospital leaders to exercise caution in public statements, Rosario also highlighted that debate and disagreement are inherent to legislative work and should not be taken personally.

At the end of his speech, Rosario announced he would step down as chair of the Health Committee. The Board approved his request and referred his privilege speech to the Committees on Rules, Ethics and Privileges, and Health. (Eva Visperas)