President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. directed the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) to continue providing ambulances to needy local government units (LGUs).

The President made the order as he led the distribution of 90 ambulances to selected LGUs in a ceremony at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Wednesday.

He stressed the distribution of ambulances, or patient transport vehicles (PTVs), should be equal and accessible, regardless of political affiliations.

“Huwag na nating isipin kung saan pupunta. Kung ito’y ‘binoto ba tayo diyan?’ ‘Nanalo ba tayo diyan?’ Wala ng ganoon. Kung saan man nangangailangan, magpapadala tayo,” President Marcos said.

As a former governor, President Marcos recalled that some LGUs find it difficult to get ambulances from the previous leadership due to politics.

“Nakukuha mo lang ang ambulansya dati pagka medyo malapit ka kung sino man o paki-usap, palakasan. Unahan,” the President recounted.

“Ika ko naman hindi naman siguro dapat ganoon. Kaya’t sabi ko basta’t hangga’t kaya natin kuha nang kuha lang tayo nitong mga emergency vehicle na ganito at ikalat natin,” he added.

So far, 564 ambulances have been given to LGUs. The government set aside P2.2 billion to acquire 1,000 additional PTVs to enhance healthcare access for all Filipinos. | PND