BONG GO CALLS FOR PROBE INTO BABY’S DEATH IN BOHOL HOSPITAL

SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, has called for an investigation into the death of a nine-month-old baby allegedly due to medical neglect at the Department of Health (DOH)-run Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The incident has sparked outrage and demands for accountability.

Go said the investigation is to determine liability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“Nakikiramay ako sa mga magulang ng baby na namatay matapos tatlong beses na diumano tinanggihang ma-admit sa Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital, isang DOH-run hospital, sa Tagbilaran City, Bohol,” said Go.

The senator did not hold back his frustration over the circumstances that allegedly led to the infant’s death, stressing that no Filipino should have to suffer such a fate due to failure in the healthcare system.

“Nakakagalit, nakakalungkot kung bakit kailangang humantong sa puntong mamatay ang kawawang sanggol,” he added.

Senator Go has urged the DOH to conduct a fair, immediate and thorough investigation to determine if there was negligence involved.

He emphasized that those found responsible must be held accountable.

“Bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Health, ako ay nananawagan sa DOH na magsagawa ng agarang imbestigasyon. Kung kailangang merong managot, panagutin. Kung merong pagkukulang, punan. Kung merong kailangang dagdagan sa suporta ng gobyerno sa mga medical frontliners, gawin na kaagad,” he stressed.

The senator underscored that ensuring accessible and efficient healthcare services, particularly for the poor, remains one of his top priorities.

“The health, welfare, and well-being of our people, particularly the poor, are my foremost concerns,” said Go. “Health is life and is non-negotiable for me,” he added.

The issue came to light after a Facebook post by the child’s mother, Maricel Igang, went viral. In her post, Igang recounted how her baby fell ill on March 2 with fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. She brought the child to the hospital three times—on March 3, 4, and 5—but was repeatedly denied admission, allegedly because the medical staff did not consider the case critical.

On the third visit, she pleaded with the hospital to admit her child, who by then was visibly weak and unresponsive.

However, she claimed that the hospital staff continued to downplay the severity of her baby’s condition.

Shortly after, the baby’s condition further deteriorated. Despite frantic attempts by medical staff to intervene, the child was ultimately declared dead.

Go acknowledged the broader issues plaguing the public health system, stating that despite ongoing efforts to improve services, many Filipinos still struggle to access timely medical care.

“Buwan-buwan, nagsasagawa tayo ng regular na Senate Health Committee hearings—mula sa mga reporma sa PhilHealth, tungo sa panawagang tuluyang bayaran na ang Health Emergency Allowances ng mga healthcare workers natin, hanggang sa pagsigurong merong sapat na mga medical facilities, equipment, at qualified professional ang ating mga public health establishments,” he cited.

“Ngunit sa kabila nito, mailap pa rin minsan sa ating mga ordinaryong kababayan ang mga serbisyong medikal na nararapat ibigay ng ating pamahalaan. Kaya hindi tayo titigil hanggang sa maisaayos ang lahat ng ito. Tandaan na ang kalusugan ay katumbas ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he added.

The senator urged Filipinos to report any complaints regarding healthcare services to his office, assuring them that their concerns would be heard and addressed.