Lee Questions Removal of Government Subsidy for PhilHealth in 2025 Budget
Lee Questions Removal of Government Subsidy for PhilHealth in 2025 Budget Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has raised serious concerns over the decision to exclude government subsidies for the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the 2025 General Appropriations Bill, recently approved by the Bicameral Conference Committee. He warned that the move would disproportionately impact vulnerable sectors, including indigents, senior citizens, unemployed persons with disabilities (PWDs), and other financially incapacitated individuals. “Removing this subsidy goes against the very essence of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. It will leave millions of Filipinos, especially the poor, without access to essential health benefits,” Lee said. He criticized the decision as a result of inefficiencies and mismanagement by the agencies tasked to administer health funds. The Bicolano lawmaker has long opposed similar moves, including the transfer of PhilHealth’s ₱89.9 billion excess funds to the National Treasury, arguing that health resources should not be diverted for other purposes. “Health funds must be used exclusively to improve the health and well-being of Filipinos, not for projects unrelated to public health,” Lee emphasized. Lee also renewed his call for accountability from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth, highlighting the need for leadership that prioritizes public welfare. “Our fight remains the same: to expand and enhance health benefits until medicine and healthcare become free for all,” he concluded. #UniversalHealthCare #SupportPhilHealth #WiseLeadership Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 17 Dec 2024 Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation 16 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Investigation into ₱11-B Expired Medicines and Vaccines 12 Dec 2024 Lee Questions Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
₱11-B Expired Medicines: Lee Seeks Accountability, Reforms in DOH Operations
₱11-B Expired Medicines: Lee Seeks Accountability, Reforms in DOH Operations Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee is pushing for a full investigation into the reported ₱11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines in DOH warehouses, as revealed by the Commission on Audit (COA). Lee described the wastage as a grave injustice to the Filipino people and a failure of leadership. “Billions of pesos worth of medicines and vaccines could have saved lives. Instead, they were left to expire due to poor planning and inefficiency. This is a crime against the public,” Lee stated. He called on Congress to investigate the DOH’s procurement and logistical processes and to hold responsible officials accountable. The COA report highlighted systemic issues, including inadequate procurement planning and a lack of proper monitoring systems. Lee warned that similar lapses could occur again unless structural reforms are implemented. “This is not just about accountability; this is about fixing a broken system that continues to fail the Filipino people,” he said. Lee also pointed out that the DOH has repeatedly failed to address critical issues, including the lack of medicines in public hospitals and unfulfilled commitments such as a detailed report on medicine availability. “The health of millions is at stake, yet we see no sense of urgency or accountability from the DOH leadership,” he lamented. The solon renewed his call for leadership changes within the DOH, stressing the need for a healthcare system that prioritizes the well-being of Filipinos. “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno. Hindi natin kayang magtiis sa palpak na pamamalakad habang nagdurusa ang taumbayan,” Lee concluded. #FixHealthcarePH #AccountabilityNow #WiseMoves Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 12 Dec 2024 Lee Questions Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities 08 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Immediate Release Of Gov't Health Workers’ Long-Delayed Performance Based Bonuses Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation
Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has demanded accountability from the Department of Health (DOH) over ₱11.18 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines, describing the waste as an unforgivable lapse in governance. In filing House Resolution No. 2117, Lee also reiterated his call for DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa’s resignation, citing persistent inefficiencies and unfulfilled commitments. “This isn’t just a case of expired supplies; this is a failure to serve the Filipino people. While public hospitals run out of medicine, billions of pesos worth of health resources go to waste. Someone must answer for this,” Lee said. The COA report attributed the wastage to inadequate procurement planning and poor logistical management. Lee demanded a congressional inquiry to identify the root causes and prevent such negligence from happening again. He also called for reforms to ensure timely and effective distribution of public health resources. Lee criticized the DOH for failing to submit a comprehensive report on the availability of medicines and vaccines in public hospitals, a commitment made during the 2025 budget deliberations. “How can we improve healthcare if the department in charge cannot even fulfill basic responsibilities?” he questioned. The Bicolano lawmaker urged swift action to rebuild trust in the healthcare system, emphasizing that leadership changes may be necessary. “The Filipino people deserve a healthcare system led by capable and compassionate leaders,” he concluded. #HealthcareAccountability #StopTheWaste #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 12 Dec 2024 Lee Questions Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities 08 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Immediate Release Of Gov't Health Workers’ Long-Delayed Performance Based Bonuses Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Demands Investigation into ₱11-B Expired Medicines and Vaccines
Lee Demands Investigation into ₱11-B Expired Medicines and Vaccines Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called for an urgent investigation into the alarming ₱11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines found in Department of Health (DOH) warehouses and health facilities, as flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA). Lee filed House Resolution No. 2117 to hold those responsible accountable and address systemic issues in the DOH’s procurement and logistics. “The expiration of these medicines and vaccines is not just wasteful but a betrayal of public trust,” Lee said. “Millions of Filipinos struggle to buy medicines, yet billions of pesos worth of essential health supplies are left to expire unused. This is a gross dereliction of duty.” The COA report revealed that over 7 million COVID-19 vaccine vials, along with other medical supplies, expired due to poor procurement planning and distribution systems. An additional ₱65.44 million worth of medicines with short shelf lives are also nearing wastage. Lee described these lapses as “clear dereliction of duty and a violation of their mandate” and emphasized the need for Congress to ensure public health resources are efficiently utilized. The solon also called for a comprehensive DOH report detailing the status of expired supplies and the measures taken to address the issue. “This must not be swept under the rug. Accountability is non-negotiable,” Lee stressed. #AccountabilityNow #HealthcareForAll #WiseLeadership Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 16 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Investigation into ₱11-B Expired Medicines and Vaccines 12 Dec 2024 Lee Questions Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities
Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed a measure to investigate the P11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines in Department of Health (DOH) warehouses and health facilities, recently flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA). In filing House Resolution No. 2117, Lee stressed that “the expiration of these essential drugs, medicines and vaccines, which the DOH allowed to deteriorate without proper utilization or timely action, constitutes a clear dereliction of duty and a violation of their mandate.” “Kulang-kulang na nga ang mga gamot sa mga pampublikong ospital, nangangamba at hirap na hirap na nga ang milyon-milyon nating kababayan sa pagbili ng gamot, tapos may bilyon-bilyong halaga ng gamot, bakuna at iba pang medical supplies ang nag-expire lang at hindi pinakinabangan ng mga Pilipino?” “Napakalaking kasalanan nito sa taumbayan. Pera na nila ang nasayang, napagkaitan pa sila ng serbisyo para sa kanilang kalusugan,” Lee pointed out. In the recent COA report, P11.18 billion worth of drugs, medicines and medical supplies, including over 7 million vials of COVID-19 vaccines that were unused, expired in DOH warehouses and health facilities. Among the reasons cited for such wastage are inadequate procurement planning and poor distribution and monitoring systems. Further, inventories amounting to P65.44 million with a shelf life of less than one year were also found in DOH facilities, nearing wastage. “Congress should conduct an inquiry into the DOH’s procurement and logistical processes to hold the involved officials and personnel accountable, identify underlying systemic issues, and ensure that public health resources are utilized efficiently, properly accounted for, and distributed in a timely and effective manner,” Lee said. “Dapat may managot sa krimeng ito at hindi na dapat pang maulit ang napakalaking kapalpakan na ito,” he added. The Bicolano lawmaker also urged the DOH to “submit a comprehensive report to Congress detailing the status of all expired supplies, including COVID-19 vaccines, and the steps taken to address the situation.” It can be recalled that during the last House Plenary Deliberations on the DOH Budget last September, Lee inquired about the lack of medicines in public hospitals. “Mayroong bilyon-bilyong pondo para sa mga gamot pero bakit kinakailangan pang bumili ng mga kababayan natin sa labas ng ospital? Bakit kailangan pa nilang gumastos para sa gamot kahit na sa charity wards sila naka-admit? Isa pa ito sa dumaragdag sa out-of-pocket expenses nila; dagdag isipin ng may sakit; dagdag pasanin ng pamilya,” the solon earlier said. Lee then sealed the commitment from DOH to submit a detailed and comprehensive report on the availability of medicines and vaccines in public hospitals due last October 31, but the DOH failed to submit this report to Congress. With these continued inefficiencies and lapses, Lee renewed his call for the resignation of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa as numerous fundamental health issues remain unaddressed to this day. “The Filipino people deserve a better healthcare system. Hindi natin maibibigay sa mga Pilipino ang mga dagdag at nararapat na mga benepisyong pangkalusugan kung manhid at walang pakialam ang namumuno sa DOH,” the lawmaker stressed. “Huwag nating hayaan na mabaon lang sa limot ang bilyon-bilyong halaga ng gamot at bakuna na nasayang at masasayang pa dahil sa kawalan ng direksyon at epektibong mga polisiya. Walang karapatang manatili sa pwesto ang pabigat sa taumbayan. Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno!” he added. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities 08 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Immediate Release Of Gov't Health Workers’ Long-Delayed Performance Based Bonuses 06 Dec 2024 Lee to DOH, PhilHealth: Prioritize Healthcare Payments of Indigent Patients, Simplify Processes Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures
Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has demanded the resignation of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing unfulfilled promises that jeopardize the health of millions of Filipinos. Through House Resolution No. 2090, Lee outlined the Department of Health’s failure, under the leadership of Herbosa, including missing deadlines for critical reforms such as increasing PhilHealth benefits and submitting plans to lower healthcare costs. “The DOH and Secretary Herbosa’s failure to deliver these commitments is a betrayal of trust—not just to Congress, but to the Filipino people who deserve better healthcare,” Lee said. He also highlighted how the delays contradict Herbosa’s signed commitments, made during budget deliberations, to improve access to medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic services. Lee has been instrumental in securing significant healthcare wins, including a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented earlier this year. However, he warned that continued delays in implementing further reforms will only harm Filipinos. “Every day these promises are delayed, more lives are put at risk,” he said. The solon urged the government to prioritize healthcare and find leadership that can fulfill its promises. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It’s time for decisive action and accountability,” Lee concluded. #HealthcareForFilipinos #WiseLeadership #GamotMoSagotKo Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 28 Nov 2024 Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 26 Nov 2024 National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for Livestreaming of PhilHealth Benefits Committee Meeting to Ensure Public Access
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for Livestreaming of PhilHealth Benefits Committee Meeting to Ensure Public Access As part of his push for greater transparency in crafting responsive health benefits, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2015, calling for the PhilHealth Benefits Committee (BenCom) to livestream their meetings. With decisions about PhilHealth benefits impacting millions of Filipinos, Lee stressed the importance of public access to the deliberations on increasing coverage for medical treatments and ensuring better healthcare for all. “Karapatan ng mga Pilipino na malaman kung saan napupunta ang pinaghihirapan nilang kontribusyon sa PhilHealth. I-livestream dapat ang meetings ng BenCom” Lee remarked, pushing for action and accountability. #PhilHealthTransparency #WilbertLeeForThePeople #HealthcareReformsNow #PhilHealthAccessForAll Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All 07 Nov 2024 Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee’s Push for Free Optometric Services to Benefit 40M Filipinos Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News