By Edalyn B. Acta
Former governor Esteban Evan “Nonoy” Contreras did not mince words about the poor social services by the current Capiz Provincial Government.
“Mas kinanglan bala sang pumuluyo ang artista o mas kinanglan sang mga Capizeño ang libre nga bulong kag libre nga pag pa ospital? Nga mabatyagan tani sang mga pigado ang serbisyo. (Do people need celebrities or do Capizeños need free medicine and free hospitalization? That most of the poor would feel the services.),” Contreras said.
The gubernatorial candidate seemingly alluded to the spending of the administration of Governor Fredenil “Oto” Castro for showbiz stars who will perform at the upcoming 2025 CAPIZtahan.
“It’s about priorities,” Contreras emphasized.
The one-term governor lamented the plight of poor families, who would often resort to borrowing money even if they or their family members are being treated in hospitals of the provincial government.
Contreras noted that the No Balance Billing was around 96 to 98% during his term as governor, which ended in 2022.
In comparison, Contreras claimed that the billing rate for the Castro administration was 41% in 2023.
“Ang pasyente, naka guwa sila nga wala naga kadto sa Kapitol ang ila pamilya. Bisan sa akon, wala sila gapalapit (The patients are discharged without their families going to the Capitol. They don’t even have to approach me),” Contreras said.
During his administration, Contreras said that family members of patients would instead go to the Malasakit Center to process the needed aid.
This Malasakit Center had personnel from PhilHealth, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). There was also a personnel from the social welfare office of the provincial government.
“Maka guwa ang pasyente nga hindi mag luhod sa pulitiko (Patients can be discharged without having to beg a politician),” Contreras added.
The former governor clarified that his opinions are merely suggestions in how to correct the system.
