Congressman Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee deferred the House plenary deliberations on the proposed 2025 budget for the Department of Health (DOH) and its attached agencies, including the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), on Monday. This decision stemmed from the agency’s inaction and lack of specific plans to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses for Filipinos.

During the House debates, Lee expressed dissatisfaction with the DOH’s responses regarding the implementation of PhilHealth benefit increases, which he has been advocating for. As a result, he moved to defer the budget discussions multiple times, ultimately leading to the suspension of the deliberations.

“It’s disheartening to see the DOH acting this way. Are the officials ignoring the pleas of Filipinos regarding inadequate healthcare services? Why can’t they provide what is necessary for the health and well-being of our citizens?” Lee lamented. He previously criticized the DOH, which leads the Benefits Committee (BenCom) responsible for PhilHealth policy directions, for its unresponsive benefits packages.

“Are we just going to wait idly while we hope for an approval of our call for better and more tangible benefits from PhilHealth? Are these officials gods, sitting before us? If it takes my pleading for the people, I will do it. Have compassion for the Filipinos,” Lee stressed, questioning the urgency and inaction of the PhilHealth Benefits Committee.

“Will we just be left waiting again? Is it only to be sidelined in the next budget deliberations? Since they have not provided the repeatedly requested benefit increases before these discussions, there has been no announcement of a plan or timeline to address public concerns, nor any indication of what help they need. This is a grave injustice to the people,” he remarked. “We are not just violating their rights; we are allowing them to suffer without a fight.”

According to Lee, with hundreds of billions in PhilHealth funds, he felt he had “no choice” but to defer the DOH budget until the agency submits:

• A detailed plan with a timeline to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for hospitalization.
• A significant increase in the benefit package to cover diagnostic tests like PET scans, MRIs, and CT scans as part of outpatient services.
• A revised benefit plan approved by the PhilHealth Board, complete with an implementation timeline.
• Full coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases.
• A 50% increase in benefits effective immediately.
• Inclusion of optometric services and eyeglasses in the PhilHealth benefits package by September 30.
• An expansion plan for PhilHealth-accredited facilities offering special medical services like breast cancer treatment.
• A timeline for the implementation of the Konsulta program by PhilHealth.
• A comprehensive report on medicines and vaccines, including the latest statements on allotment, obligation, and disbursement.
• The latest statement on the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP), including plans and timelines for acquiring medical equipment for public hospitals.

“We need a radical overhaul, not just incremental changes in our health financing. This is not about piecemeal support for healthcare,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. “As the saying goes, ‘every life is valuable,’ but why must we face the reality that to receive treatment and prolong lives, we must incur exorbitant costs? Health funds must be utilized for health!”

A staunch advocate for healthcare, Lee successfully pushed for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits that was implemented on February 14. While there is no confirmed schedule for the resumption of the plenary deliberation on the DOH budget, the House debates are set to conclude this week.

“Healthcare is a serious matter. Lives are at stake here. We will stand firm until the end, as this is a fight for every Filipino. I will not back down!” Lee declared. “Illness should not cost livelihoods. Let’s work towards equitable and compassionate healthcare until medications and treatments are free for every Filipino,” he added.