Health workers staged a protest in front of the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, November 21, to denounce what they described as “widespread corruption” in government programs that they believe is harming the country’s public health system.

Carrying placards calling for adequate funding for health, education, and housing, the protesters accused government officials of mismanaging resources intended for the medical sector.

They said the alleged anomalies further burden Filipino patients who already struggle with high medical costs and limited access to healthcare facilities.

One of the key issues raised by the groups was the reported non-operation of more than 300 of the 878 planned super health centers, which they said were intended to expand primary healthcare services across the country.

Protesters also criticized what they claimed were unused and expired vaccines and medicines that remained in DOH storage, insisting these should have been distributed to hospitals and communities in need.

The demonstrators likewise expressed support for the filing of cases against Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, whom they accused of failing to adequately explain the status of funds intended for the salaries and allowances of health workers. Herbosa has previously denied accusations of mishandling public money.

As part of their program, several protesters lay down on the road in a symbolic act meant to represent the “death of public service” due to alleged corruption.

Toward the end of the rally, participants poured water-based paint on and threw objects at images of Herbosa, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Chiz Escudero, and former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co.

The groups said the gesture was intended to display their anger and demand accountability from officials they accuse of involvement in corruption.

Health workers reiterated that all officials allegedly involved in corruption should be held accountable, stressing that misused public funds translate to lost services, unpaid benefits, and avoidable suffering for Filipino patients and frontliners.

Some demonstrators also called for Marcos and Duterte to resign, while chanting slogans urging that the nation’s wealth be “returned to the people.”