“Hindi po natin kailanman magiging intensyon ang manakit o mambully.”

This was the statement of Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee over the decision of his fellow lawmakers in filing an ethics complaint against him.

“Iginagalang po natin ito bilang karapatan ng kapwa natin mambabatas,” Lee said.

The Bicolano lawmaker further said that he had no intention to disrespect the institution and that his action was brought upon by his impassioned advocacy to put on record the commitments he secured from the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on lowering the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos.

Among the commitments sealed are:

• Free diagnostic tests such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of outpatient services not later than December 31, 2024;
• At least 80% coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024;
• 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increases effective November 2024;
• Free pediatrics and adult prescription glasses effective November 2024.

A staunch health advocate, Lee persistently and successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14.

“Naninindigan po tayo sa hangarin nating tugunan na ang kulang-kulang at napakamahal na mga benepisyong pangkalusugan na isiniwalat natin noong nakaraang taon pa, at mahigit isang dekadang hindi inaksyunan ng DOH at PhilHealth,” the solon from Bicol remarked.

It can be recalled that Lee deferred the budget of DOH and its attached agencies during the House plenary debates on September 23 due to his dissatisfaction over its lack of urgency and inaction on expanding PhilHealth benefit coverage despite the state health insurer’s billions of available funds that he exposed during the DOH budget briefing last year.

Lee stated that he will explain his side once summoned by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges saying, “Hinihintay lang po natin na makakuha ng opisyal na kopya para makatugon sa nasabing ethics complaint.”