Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee: The Voice Behind PhilHealth’s New Benefits
Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee: The Voice Behind PhilHealth’s New Benefits In the ever-evolving landscape of Philippine healthcare, one voice stands out as its relentless advocate: Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee. Known for his no-nonsense approach and sharp critiques, Lee has been instrumental in pushing the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to implement much-needed reforms. While recent enhancements to PhilHealth’s benefits have been welcomed, Lee’s persistent efforts reveal a deeper story of advocacy, accountability, and the fight for a healthier nation. Exposing Unused Billions: A Call for Accountability In September 2023, Lee brought to light a startling revelation: billions of pesos unused PhilHealth funds. This exposé highlighted the stark contrast between available resources and the glaring gaps in healthcare services for millions of Filipinos. Lee’s call to action resonated with the public, amplifying demands for the state health insurer to fulfill its mandate effectively. “Kung mas maagang nagdagdag ng mga benepisyo, hindi na sana umabot sa zero subsidy!” Lee remarked, emphasizing how these unused funds could have significantly alleviated the burden on struggling Filipinos. His stance catalyzed a series of discussions, leading to the eventual approval of new benefit packages. Progress Amidst Challenges PhilHealth recently announced several new benefits, including a 50% increase in case rates for select conditions, improved packages for heart ailments, and expanded outpatient services. These changes, though significant, are only part of the commitments Lee advocated for during the heated budget deliberations with the Department of Health (DOH) last year. Lee has consistently reminded PhilHealth and DOH of their promise to go beyond incremental changes. “Fifty percent across-the-board, hindi lang sa ilang sakit ang napagkasunduan,” Lee stated, underscoring the need for comprehensive reforms that address a broader spectrum of healthcare challenges. His demands include free diagnostic tests like CT scans and MRIs and increased coverage for cancer treatments, among others. Health Advocacy Rooted in Action A staunch health advocate, Lee extends influence beyond exposing inefficiencies. His efforts led to a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 2024, breaking a decade-long stagnation in case rate reviews. Additionally, his advocacy paved the way for enhanced coverage, including free dialysis and a significant increase in breast cancer treatment benefits—from ₱100,000 to ₱1.4 million. Lee’s contributions don’t stop there. He championed the inclusion of free eye checkups and prescription glasses in PhilHealth benefits, an initiative currently being finalized by PhilHealth for implementation. These additions are gamechangers for many Filipinos who have long struggled with vision-related issues due to the prohibitive cost of care. A Vision for a Healthier Philippines Despite these achievements, Lee remains steadfast in his call for greater accountability and efficiency. “Make it your New Year’s Resolution to not repeat the same mistake of not using the billions of funds for healthcare benefits,” he urged PhilHealth and the DOH, pushing for a culture of proactive healthcare spending. For Lee, healthcare reform isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the lives behind the statistics. His advocacy centers on the daily struggles of Filipinos who endure pain and suffering because they cannot afford basic medical care. “Dagdag lang nang dagdag ng mga benepisyo hanggang maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng mga Pilipino,” Lee declared profusely. The Road Ahead Lee’s slogan, “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko,” encapsulates his vision for a healthcare system that truly serves the people. While the recent enhancements mark a step forward, his tireless efforts remind the nation that there is still much to be done. With his leadership, the fight for better healthcare continues—one policy, one reform, and one life at a time. #ManoyWilbertWiseLee #PhilHealthReforms #HealthcareAdvocacy #GamotMoSagotKo #UniversalHealthcarePH Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 06 Jan 2025 Manoy Wilbert "Wise" Lee: The Voice Behind PhilHealth's New Benefits 31 Dec 2024 LEE MARKS 2024 WITH BIG WINS, VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR BETTER SERVICES FILIPINOS DESERVE 29 Dec 2024 Is this the best you can do? PHILHEALTH ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH NEW BENEFITS BUT STILL NEEDS TO DO MORE – LEE Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Is this the best you can do? PHILHEALTH ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH NEW BENEFITS BUT STILL NEEDS TO DO MORE – LEE
Is this the best you can do? PHILHEALTH ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH NEW BENEFITS BUT STILL NEEDS TO DO MORE – LEE “Kaya pang mas iparamdam ang tulong sa mga Pilipino. Kung mas maagang nagdagdag ng mga benepisyo, hindi na sana umabot sa zero subsidy!” This was the sentiment of Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee, the lawmaker who first exposed the billions of unused funds of Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on September 2023, as he welcomed the new benefit enhancements announced by the state health insurer. While Lee acknowledged the significance of the recently approved 50% increase on select case rates of PhilHealth, the increase in benefit packages for heart ailments, new outpatient emergency care benefit package, benefit for preventive oral health services in primary care, and Z benefit packages for kidney transplantation and peritoneal dialysis, he stressed that these are long overdue and are still not enough. “Bahagi lang ito sa mga commitment na pinirmahan ng DOH at PhilHealth na itinulak natin noong nakaraang budget deliberations. Fifty percent across-the-board, hindi lang sa ilang sakit ang napagkasunduan. Hinihintay pa rin natin ang katuparan ng iba pang mga dagdag na benepisyo na kanilang ipinangako,” he said. It can be recalled that the Bicolano lawmaker sealed these health commitments signed by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., during the House Plenary Deliberations on the DOH Budget that ended in a mic scuffle last September 25. Other commitments that have yet to be complied with include the comprehensive plan to reduce the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos, detailed report on the availability of medicines and vaccines in public hospitals, implementing free diagnostic tests such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of outpatient services and at least 80% coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases. A staunch health advocate, Lee was instrumental in the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which started on February 14, after more than a decade of case rates not being reviewed or adjusted. Through his persistent efforts, PhilHealth also implemented more benefits enhancements such as free dialysis, and the increase in coverage for breast cancer treatment from P100,000 to P1.4 million. Further, he was at the forefront of fighting for the inclusion of free eye checkup and free prescription glasses on PhilHealth benefits which are now being finalized. Calling on the DOH and PhilHealth, Lee said: “Make it your New Year’s Resolution to not repeat the same mistake of not using the billions of funds for healthcare benefits so zero government subsidy for PhilHealth will not happen again.” “Mahigit isang dekadang hindi umusad at naipagkait ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan na kailangang-kailangan ng ating mga kababayan. Tigilan na ang pagiging manhid at kawalan ng pakialam sa mga nagdurusang Pilipino na araw-araw nangangamba at tinitiis ang sakit dahil walang pambili ng gamot at pambayad sa ospital.” “Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa pakikiisa ng marami nating kababayan at sa lumalakas pa nating panawagan na ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay dapat gamitin sa kalusugan. Patuloy natin itong ipaglalaban at hindi tatantanan. Dagdag lang nang dagdag ng mga benepisyo hanggang maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng mga Pilipino. Ang ipinaglalaban ko: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he added. ###06:06 PM Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 30 Dec 2024 Is this the best you can do? PHILHEALTH ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH NEW BENEFITS BUT STILL NEEDS TO DO MORE – LEE 28 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH to Prioritize Healthcare, Fast-Track Benefit Enhancements 27 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Accountability from DOH, PhilHealth Over Delayed Health Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Urges DOH to Prioritize Healthcare, Fast-Track Benefit Enhancements
Lee Urges DOH to Prioritize Healthcare, Fast-Track Benefit Enhancements Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called on the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to fast-track the implementation of expanded health benefits for Filipinos, warning that continued delays in utilizing available funds are perpetuating a broken healthcare system. Lee emphasized that the recent benefit increases approved by PhilHealth’s Board of Directors are insufficient to meet the urgent needs of the population. “The funds are there, but the action is missing,” Lee said. “We cannot allow healthcare funds to remain unused while millions of Filipinos forego treatment due to high costs. The government owes it to the people to deliver timely and effective health services.” Lee highlighted his achievements in securing benefit increases, including a 30% hike in PhilHealth case rates and expanded coverage for hemodialysis and breast cancer treatment. Despite these successes, he stressed that more needs to be done to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for Filipinos. The solon also called attention to systemic inefficiencies within the DOH, including the failure to submit a comprehensive plan to Congress for lowering hospital costs. He warned that the lack of leadership and accountability is undermining the Universal Health Care Law. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. The government must ensure that no Filipino is left behind,” Lee concluded. #HealthForAll #WiseLeadership #GamotMoSagotKo Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 30 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH to Prioritize Healthcare, Fast-Track Benefit Enhancements 27 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Accountability from DOH, PhilHealth Over Delayed Health Benefits 26 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Proactive PhilHealth Reforms to Benefit Filipinos by 2025 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Demands Accountability from DOH, PhilHealth Over Delayed Health Benefits
News Title Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has criticized the slow implementation of expanded health benefits by PhilHealth, calling on the DOH to act swiftly in addressing the gaps in the country’s healthcare system. He highlighted how delays in utilizing PhilHealth’s available funds are denying millions of Filipinos access to essential medical services. “The recent approval of benefit increases is not enough. These are long overdue and fail to meet the commitments made to Congress and the Filipino people,” Lee said. He noted that funds for healthcare should never be redirected or left idle while Filipinos continue to suffer from high out-of-pocket expenses. Lee has been vocal in his advocacy for health reforms, successfully pushing for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits in February 2024. He also pushed for free dialysis and the expansion of breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4 million. However, he remains dissatisfied with the pace of progress, citing the need for further benefit increases and expanded coverage for diagnostic tests, heart procedures, and life-saving treatments. The solon also filed a measure to investigate ₱11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines in DOH warehouses, highlighting the inefficiency as a grave disservice to Filipinos who cannot afford basic healthcare. “Accountability is non-negotiable. Those responsible for this negligence should not see another Christmas in their positions,” Lee declared. #UniversalHealthCare #AccountabilityNow #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 30 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Accountability from DOH, PhilHealth Over Delayed Health Benefits 26 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Proactive PhilHealth Reforms to Benefit Filipinos by 2025 25 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Action to End Healthcare Delays, Opposes PhilHealth Zero Subsidy Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Calls for Proactive PhilHealth Reforms to Benefit Filipinos by 2025
Lee Calls for Proactive PhilHealth Reforms to Benefit Filipinos by 2025 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has reiterated his demand for immediate and comprehensive reforms in the Philippine healthcare system, urging the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to prioritize the release of expanded health benefits. While the PhilHealth Board recently approved a 50% increase in selected case rates and new benefits such as optometric services for children and open-heart surgery, Lee said these efforts fall short of the commitments previously made to Congress. “Filipinos deserve better. Despite repeated calls to utilize PhilHealth’s over ₱500 billion in available funds, progress has been excruciatingly slow,” Lee lamented. “These funds are not ‘excess’—they are meant to alleviate the burdens of our people, especially in securing affordable medical care and medicines.” The Bicolano lawmaker also pointed to the inefficiencies within the DOH and PhilHealth as contributing factors to the healthcare system’s inadequacies. He stressed that the unused funds could have already financed critical services like diagnostic tests and hospital procedures for vulnerable Filipinos. “Every day of delay is another day millions of Filipinos suffer,” Lee added. The health advocate concluded by calling on the DOH to make it their New Year’s resolution to proactively enhance health benefits and ensure that every peso in public health funds is used effectively. “The focus should be on saving lives, not delaying action,” he said. #HealthcareReforms #PhilHealthFunds #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 30 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Proactive PhilHealth Reforms to Benefit Filipinos by 2025 25 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Action to End Healthcare Delays, Opposes PhilHealth Zero Subsidy 24 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Accountability in PhilHealth Fund Utilization, Slams Delays Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Urges Action to End Healthcare Delays, Opposes PhilHealth Zero Subsidy
Lee Urges Action to End Healthcare Delays, Opposes PhilHealth Zero Subsidy Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has renewed his call for a comprehensive plan to address delays in health benefit implementation, warning that PhilHealth’s lack of urgency is leaving millions of Filipinos without adequate healthcare support. He also criticized the removal of government subsidy for PhilHealth in the 2025 budget, describing it as a direct result of inefficiency and poor planning. “The zero subsidy for PhilHealth is not because the funds are surplus—it’s because they’re unused. These are funds meant to save lives, and their idleness reflects a dereliction of duty by those in charge,” Lee said. He called out DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa for failing to deliver a detailed plan to lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs, despite committing to do so during budget deliberations. Lee pointed to recent successes, including the approval of free eye checkups, expanded heart procedure coverage, and a 50% increase in case rates, but stressed that much more needs to be done. “These measures are just the beginning. We cannot tell Filipinos to delay getting sick or postpone their surgeries while we wait for benefits to be implemented,” he said. The solon called for a shift in policy direction, emphasizing that healthcare should be free and accessible to all. “The government must act with urgency and compassion. Every peso of unused funds is a missed opportunity to save lives,” he concluded. #HealthIsARight #PhilHealthReforms #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 30 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Action to End Healthcare Delays, Opposes PhilHealth Zero Subsidy 24 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Accountability in PhilHealth Fund Utilization, Slams Delays 23 Dec 2024 Filipinos deserve better! LEE DEMANDS IMPROVED PH HEALTHCARE SERVICES BY 2025 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Calls for Accountability in PhilHealth Fund Utilization, Slams Delays
Lee Calls for Accountability in PhilHealth Fund Utilization, Slams Delays Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called out the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth for their failure to efficiently utilize available funds, which has led to the removal of government subsidies for 2025. Lee warned that the lack of a clear plan and slow implementation of benefits are jeopardizing the health and well-being of millions of Filipinos. “PhilHealth’s ₱500 billion investible funds are not a surplus—they’re resources meant to alleviate the healthcare burdens of our people. Yet, these funds remain largely untapped while many Filipinos forgo necessary treatments due to high costs,” Lee said. He described the delays in benefit enhancements as a systemic failure, criticizing DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa for his lack of action despite commitments made during budget deliberations. Lee noted that commitments such as free eye checkups, expanded heart procedure coverage, and a 50% increase in some PhilHealth case rates were recently approved. However, he stressed that these initiatives are long overdue and insufficient to address the healthcare needs of the nation. “Every day of inaction adds to the suffering of Filipinos. We need leaders who prioritize healthcare over bureaucracy. If we continue at this pace, the Filipino people will never receive the care they deserve,” Lee stated, reiterating his call for leadership changes in the DOH. #UniversalHealthCare #StopTheDelays #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 30 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Accountability in PhilHealth Fund Utilization, Slams Delays 23 Dec 2024 Filipinos deserve better! LEE DEMANDS IMPROVED PH HEALTHCARE SERVICES BY 2025 20 Dec 2024 Lee Slams Budget Cuts for PhilHealth, Urges Support for Vulnerable Filipinos Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Filipinos deserve better! LEE DEMANDS IMPROVED PH HEALTHCARE SERVICES BY 2025
Filipinos deserve better! LEE DEMANDS IMPROVED PH HEALTHCARE SERVICES BY 2025 The first to expose the billions of available funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in 2023, Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee said that the recently approved benefit increases by the state health insurer’s Board are still lacking. The Bicolano lawmaker who has persistently fought for additional benefit increases for more than a year now pointed out that amid controversies surrounding the “unused” funds of PhilHealth, the Department of Health (DOH) should waste no time in providing better medical care services that every Filipino deserve. “Kahit para na tayong sirang plaka sa paulit-ulit na panawagan na gamitin ang pondo ng kalusugan para sa kalusugan, di tayo titigil dahil ito ang talagang makakabawas sa pangamba ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa pagkakasakit dahil sa mahal na gamot at pagpapagamot,” Lee lamented. “Maganda sanang Pamasko sa ating mga kababayan kung sumunod lang ang DOH sa ipinaglaban at naikasa nating commitment na nilagdaan mismo ng pinuno nito para mapababa ang gastos ng bawat Pilipino sa pagpapa-ospital. Ang inaprubahan na mga dagdag benepisyo kamakailan ay kulang-kulang sa napagkasunduan,” he added. Last Dec. 16, the PhilHealth Board of Directors approved a 50% increase in selected case rates, in addition to emergency care benefit, glasses and optometric services for children, open-heart surgery benefits and pediatric cataract extractions. Lee said that the DOH, which leads the PhilHealth Board and the Benefits Committee (BenCom) must put as its New Year’s Resolution to be more proactive in increasing the health benefit packages of Filipinos, especially with its more than P500 billion or half a trillion available funds. The solon from Bicol then reiterated his sentiment during the Dec. 17 House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability hearing on zero subsidy for PhilHealth, saying “Nasaan ang hustisya kung milyon-milyong Pilipino pa rin ang papasan sa mga pagdurusa at mapagkakaitan ng mga dagdag na benepisyong pangkalusugan dahil sa pagka-manhid at kapalpakan ng ilang namumuno?” “Napakalaking insulto at kalokohan na gamitin ang pondong kailangang-kailangan para sa mga dagdag na serbisyong pangkulusugan sa mararangyang okasyon o ilipat ito sa mga proyekto na hindi naman ikamamatay ng mga Pilipino kung hindi maipagawa,” Lee reiterated. “Paano naaatim ng ilan na maging makupad sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin at ipagkait ang mga dagdag na benepisyo sa gamot at pagpapagamot na pwedeng magligtas sa buhay ng milyon-milyon nating kababayan?” “The focus should remain on addressing the gaps in the country’s healthcare system. Napakalaking kasalanan na hindi ibigay ang pondo at suporta na kaya namang ibigay, at sa halip ay gamitin lang ito kung saan iilan lang ang makikibanang,” he added. A staunch health advocate, Lee successfully fought for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 2024, after more than a decade that PhilHealth case rates were not reviewed and adjusted, making its coverage no longer responsive to the hospitalization cost of beneficiaries. The solon from Bicol constantly called on the DOH and PhilHealth leadership to implement more benefit increases, which resulted to securing their commitments during the House Budget Deliberations last September 25, to provide a comprehensive plan to lower the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos. It can be recalled that the 2025 DOH budget deliberations ended in a mic scuffle as Lee would like to put on record the said health commitments he secured from DOH and PhilHealth. He also recently filed a measure to investigate the P11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines in DOH warehouses and health facilities flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA), stressing that this kind of inefficiency is a big disservice to millions of Filipinos who are dying because they cannot afford to buy medicines. “Hinding-hindi natin titigilan ang paniningil sa mga ipinangako sa ating mga dagdag na benepisyong pangkalusugan. Hindi rin natin tatantanan ang pagpapanagot sa mga manhid at walang pakialam, hanggang masiguro natin na ito na ang huli nilang Pasko at Bagong Taon sa posisyon dahil wala silang malasakit at hindi nila ginagawa ang kanilang trabaho,” Lee stressed. “Hindi na dapat paabutin ng panibagong Pasko o Bagong Taon ang pagpapatupad ng mga dagdag na benepisyong pangkalusugan. Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na ng gobyerno. Ang layunin ko: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” Lee said. Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Access and Equity Previous Post Latest Posts 23 Dec 2024 Filipinos deserve better! LEE DEMANDS IMPROVED PH HEALTHCARE SERVICES BY 2025 20 Dec 2024 Lee Slams Budget Cuts for PhilHealth, Urges Support for Vulnerable Filipinos 19 Dec 2024 Lee Questions Removal of Government Subsidy for PhilHealth in 2025 Budget Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee’s sentiment on DOH’s slow implementation of PhilHealth benefits increases gains outpour of support
Cong. Wilbert ‘Manoy’ Lee gains widespread support for urging the DOH to expedite the implementation of increased PhilHealth benefits, calling for more coverage of costly medical treatments. Learn more about his push for better healthcare for Filipinos.
Lee slams DOH over slow, meager increase in PhilHealth benefits; warns to defer budget if remain unaddressed
Cong. Wilbert ‘Manoy’ Lee criticizes the slow increase in PhilHealth benefits and warns the DOH of budget deferral if the issue remains unaddressed. Learn more about his push for better healthcare for Filipinos.