Hundreds of Contract of Service (COS) workers at Angel Salazar Memorial General Hospital (ASMGH) in San Jose de Buenavista, Antique staged a strike to protest delayed salaries and uncertainty over contract renewals, forcing Governor Paolo Javier to directly address the issue.
In a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 2, Javier acknowledged the workers’ grievances, defending their right to strike but firmly rejecting claims that their contracts would not be renewed.
“There are no threats. It’s the right of employees to strike—it’s their freedom of expression and speech. But it is not true that their contracts will not be renewed,” he said.
Javier admitted that salary delays stemmed from systemic lapses inherited from previous administrations and aggravated by incomplete contract documents and processing bottlenecks. He assured the striking employees that no sanctions would be imposed against them.
“We understand that workers also have families to support. Please bear with us as we fix these problems. Rest assured, you will receive your wages,” the Governor said.
Javier underscored the financial strain faced by the provincial government, noting that only ₱19 million remained for COS contracts across all provincial hospitals until December—far short of the ₱225 million required to cover wages.
“How can you stretch ₱19 million until December?” Javier said, stressing that his administration is exploring fund realignment and cost-cutting measures to sustain operations.
He added that the provincial government also faces other financial pressures, including ₱190 million in unpaid consignment debts and regulatory requirements to maintain hospital licenses.
Despite the strike, Javier said he is confident the provincial government, in coordination with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and concerned offices, will find ways to resolve the budget gap and ensure continuous health services.
“Please bear with us. We are fixing things and working to prevent any collapse in hospital operations and services. You have the heart to serve your fellow Antiqueños, and I will not abandon you,” Javier said.
Administrative Officer Jofred Martinez confirmed that with the approval of Supplemental Budget No. 4 on September 16, there are now sufficient funds to pay COS employees’ salaries for the remainder of 2025.
Javier also expressed support for ASMGH Chief Dr. Cecilia Balensoy, appealing for understanding from employees and the public as the hospital navigates the crisis.
“This problem forced us to confront the system. Now we are working to break the cycle of delays. Please bear with us,” he said.
The strike at ASMGH, the province’s main hospital, highlights the fragile state of health financing in Antique, where thousands depend on public hospitals for essential care.IMT
