Tingog partylist, an organization formed by the family of Speaker Martin Romualdez, has decided to withdraw from the rural financing health care deal it inked with two state-run firms after being pelted with criticisms from various groupos.

In a statement, the partylist organization said it was quitting the deal which it entered into with the Philippine Health insurance Corporation (Philhealth) and he Development Bank of the Philippines.

Represented in the House of Representatives by Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, Tingog said it arrived at this decision to avoid being dragged into “unwarranted political distractions.”

Romualdez, chairperson of the House Committee on Accounts, is the wife of Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“After a careful deliberation and extensive discussions among our Party Executive Officers, TINGOG Partylist has decided to step back from the Rural Hospital Financing Program to shield it from unwarranted political distractions,” the partylist organization stated.

It added: “To clarify, the agreement merely reflects our shared commitment and establishes a framework for a future undertaking. However, to protect the program - and our partner agencies -from being drawn into baseless political disputes, we are stepping back,” the group added.

The partylist organization vowed to continue its commitment to advance affordable and accessible healthcare for Filipinos.

Earlier, Senator Ronald Dela Rosa assailed the signing of the agreement even as he questioned its legality.

In a privilege speech, Dela Rosa raised concern over the involvement of a partylist organization in a set up that should have tapped concerned government agencies, instead.

“Bakit kaya mas pinili ng DBP at PhilHealth na makasama sa kanilang MOA ang isang Partylist kaysa sa Department of Health?Gusto ko rin malinawan,” he said.

He pointed out that instead of Tingog, the Philhealth and DBP should have tapped the DOH which is empowered to provide technical assistance, consultation and advisory services to stakeholders involved in the regulation of health facilities.

On the other hand, public health reform advocate Dr. Antonio Leachon assailed the agreement, saying that it smelled “electioneering”.

“Why is Tingog involved in this project at all? Does this give Tingog undue advantage over other organizations pursuing similar objectives?” he asked during an interview with Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “At the Forefront”.