As the Philippines faces a projected 18.3% increase in healthcare costs in 2024, Representative Manoy Wilbert Lee is leading the charge for urgent reforms in the country’s healthcare system. With the rise in medical expenses threatening to overwhelm many Filipinos, Lee is calling on the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to intensify their efforts to expand benefits and fully utilize available funds.
A recent Global Medical Trends Survey by WTW places the Philippines among the Asia Pacific countries with the highest anticipated healthcare cost increases this year, second only to Indonesia. This troubling trend has raised alarms, as Filipinos already grapple with the burden of expensive medical treatments and hospitalization.
“Kung magmamahal pa ang pagpapa-ospital ngayong taon, hindi rin gaanong mararamdaman ang mga dagdag na benepisyong ipinatupad ng PhilHealth,” Lee warned. He emphasized that the rising costs would dilute the impact of recent benefit enhancements unless swift and substantial reforms are implemented.
PhilHealth has more than ₱500 billion in available funds, aside from its ₱100 billion annual government subsidy. Lee argues that these resources must be mobilized immediately to meet the demands of Universal Health Care. “Walang dapat sayangin dahil buhay ng mga kababayan natin ang nakasalalay dito,” he stressed.
Lee’s advocacy has already resulted in historic reforms, including a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits in February 2024 and a 50% increase covering 9,000 case rates. While these achievements are significant, he believes there is still much work to be done.
“Nadagdagan na ang mga benepisyo, pero kaya pang bilisan at dagdagan ang mga ito,” Lee said, urging PhilHealth to implement reforms with urgency.
During the 2025 DOH Budget deliberations, Lee secured commitments from DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. to enhance healthcare services. These commitments included expanded benefits for heart ailments, outpatient emergency care services, and kidney transplants, as well as free diagnostic tests such as CT scans and MRIs.
However, many of these promises remain unfulfilled. Lee continues to hold PhilHealth and DOH accountable for their delays, urging them to work overtime if necessary. “Kung kailangan mag-overtime ng DOH at PhilHealth, gawin na ito,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of delivering on these commitments without further delay.
Lee’s dedication to healthcare reform has already brought tangible benefits to millions of Filipinos. Among his notable accomplishments are:
These reforms, while significant, represent only a fraction of Lee’s broader vision for Universal Health Care.
At the heart of Lee’s advocacy is his belief that healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. His slogan, “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko,” underscores his goal of making medicines and treatments accessible to all Filipinos, regardless of their financial circumstances.
“Patuloy natin itong ipaglalaban dahil ang layunin ko: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” Lee declared. His relentless efforts have inspired a growing movement among Filipinos who share his vision of an equitable healthcare system.
Lee’s message is clear: the fight for better healthcare requires collective action. “Ituloy lang natin ang paniningil at lakasan pa natin ang ating boses,” he urged, encouraging Filipinos to join his call for meaningful and lasting reforms.
As the country braces for rising healthcare costs, Lee’s leadership offers a beacon of hope. His commitment to holding institutions accountable and pushing for bold reforms ensures that the welfare of every Filipino remains a top priority.
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