SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized the urgency of preparing for and addressing a reported increase in flu-like cases in the Philippines.

This reminder came amid concerns about the increasing respiratory illnesses in other regions since mid-October, particularly among children.

Go, in an interview, after aiding residents in Pamplona, Cagayan, expressed his support for a possible inquiry into the government’s preparedness in handling increasing influenza cases.

“Ako, pabor po ako dito. I am willing to call for a hearing dito para mapakinggan natin yung preparedness ng ating gobyerno, ng Department of Health (DOH) regarding the rising cases of influenza and how to address this problem dahil ayaw nating lumala ito at ayaw nating maapektuhan ang ating mga kababayan,” he stated.

He emphasized the critical importance of health, equating it to the life of every Filipino, and underscored the need for DOH to be well-prepared. He stressed, “tandaan natin na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino.”

Recent reports from the DOH have indicated a reassuring turn, with all recorded cases of walking pneumonia now fully recovered.

The DOH reported four cases in total: one case in January, another in July, and two additional cases in September.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa has also confirmed that there is currently no outbreak of walking pneumonia in the country.

Despite this, Go has urged Filipinos to maintain vigilance and adhere to health protocols, including the voluntary use of masks.

The senator also earlier reinforced the role of Malasakit Centers and Super Health Centers in providing accessible healthcare and early disease detection, especially in light of these recent health concerns.

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