Lee Slams Budget Cuts for PhilHealth, Urges Support for Vulnerable Filipinos
Lee Slams Budget Cuts for PhilHealth, Urges Support for Vulnerable Filipinos Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has expressed strong opposition against the removal of government subsidies for PhilHealth in the 2025 national budget, warning that the decision will worsen the healthcare burden on Filipinos, especially those from marginalized sectors. Lee, a staunch advocate for universal healthcare, described the move as “an injustice to the Filipino people.” “Millions of indigents, senior citizens, and PWDs rely on this subsidy to access life-saving healthcare services. Removing it will strip them of these essential benefits,” Lee said. He criticized DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa for failing to uphold the commitments made during the budget deliberations to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses for Filipinos. Lee has consistently championed healthcare reforms, successfully pushing for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits earlier this year. He also exposed in 2023 that PhilHealth had ₱466 billion in investible funds and a ₱68.4 billion net income, which he argued should be used to expand health benefits and reduce premium contributions. The solon reiterated his call for systemic changes to ensure that health funds are used effectively, emphasizing that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. “The Filipino people deserve a reliable and compassionate healthcare system,” he stated. #HealthIsARight #ProtectPhilHealth #WiseAdvocacy 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
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 Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients
Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed House Resolution No. 2104, urging the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to simplify and liberalize their requirements for hospital claims. He emphasized that current administrative hurdles delay payments to hospitals, denying indigent patients the medical care they need. Lee noted that the Universal Health Care Act, enacted in 2019, mandates accessible and comprehensive health services for all. However, its implementation remains inadequate. “Patients already dealing with illness shouldn’t have to face the added burden of navigating a complicated system to access care,” he remarked. The Bicolano lawmaker also highlighted his success in increasing PhilHealth benefits earlier this year, such as raising hemodialysis coverage from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and expanding breast cancer treatment coverage to P1.4 million. “We’ve made progress, but there’s much more to do. Simplifying these processes is the next critical step,” Lee said. Lee called on DOH and PhilHealth to ensure prompt payments to hospitals, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to healthcare access. “Let’s make healthcare truly universal,” he concluded. #HealthcareAccess #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 05 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients 04 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Pay Indigent Patients’ Unpaid Hospital Bills 03 Dec 2024 Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Pay Indigent Patients’ Unpaid Hospital Bills
Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Pay Indigent Patients’ Unpaid Hospital Bills Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called on the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to cover the unpaid hospital bills of indigent patients, emphasizing the urgent need for better implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act. In filing House Resolution No. 2104, Lee highlighted that the UHC Act guarantees comprehensive health services for all Filipinos, yet many indigents are still denied care due to unpaid bills. “Several years have passed since this law was enacted, but Filipinos—especially indigents—are still struggling to access hospital care,” he said. Lee also pointed out the burden caused by complex administrative processes for claims, urging the agencies to streamline and simplify requirements for patients and hospitals alike. “Hospitals must be paid promptly, and patients should not suffer due to bureaucracy. Let’s make their lives easier, not harder,” he added. As a staunch advocate for universal healthcare, Lee reiterated his commitment to ensuring that no Filipino is denied the care they deserve, urging DOH and PhilHealth to act immediately. #UniversalHealthCare #HealthForAll #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 04 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Pay Indigent Patients’ Unpaid Hospital Bills 03 Dec 2024 Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims 01 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims
Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee called on the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to pay for the unpaid bills of indigent and financially incapacitated patients in private and public hospitals which often result in delayed treatment and denial of care. In filing House Resolution No. 2104, Lee stressed the importance of the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act” which mandates the said agencies to enforce comprehensive health services for all Filipinos. “The UHC Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that all Filipinos will have access to comprehensive health services, including outpatient services and specialty care. Several years have passed since this was enacted but Filipinos, especially the indigents, remain burdened with lack of hospital care,” Lee lamented. The Bicolano lawmaker underscored that DOH and PhilHealth need to address the tedious administrative and documentation requirement for claims which remains to be a major obstacle for hospitals and patients, especially for indigent individuals who may not have the necessary means, knowledge, or support to navigate complex processes promptly. “Simplify, streamline, and liberalize the requirements for hospitals and patients. Pagaanin natin ang pasanin ng mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya na nag-aalala na nga sa sakit ay problemado pa sa gastusin sa gamot at pagpapagamot,” Lee said. “Tulungan natin sila, imbes na pahirapan!” he added. A staunch health advocate, Lee is the driving force to increase PhilHealth benefits by 30% which was implemented last February 14. PhilHealth’s benefit package for hemodialysis was also expanded from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as for the breast cancer treatment coverage which increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. Currently, Lee persistently pushes for other commitments he sealed from DOH and PhilHealth in expanding health services such as free eye checkup, free eyeglasses and another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits, 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 and heart procedures. “Tanggalin kung ano ang mga balakid sa pagpapabilis ng pagbabayad ng DOH at PhilHealth sa mga ospital para mapabilis ang pagkakaloob ng mga benepisyo. Habang di nababayaran ang mga ospital, milyon-milyong nating mga kababayan ang maaaring napagkakaitan ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Lee stressed. “Ang gobyerno, hindi dapat pabigat sa taumbayan. Wala na dapat mga Pilipino ang magmamakaawa sa mga ahensya o nasa katungkulan kapag may kailangan, yung halos lumuhod pa para matulungan sa pagbili ng gamot at pagpapagamot.” “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno. Ang ipinaglalaban natin: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he added. Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 03 Dec 2024 Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims 01 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures 30 Nov 2024 Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments 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
Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments
Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has reiterated his call for the resignation of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa over his failure to fulfill healthcare promises. These commitments, signed by Herbosa and PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., were meant to improve the country’s healthcare system but have faced significant delays. The unfulfilled promises include free diagnostic tests like PET, CT, and MRI scans, 80% coverage for cancer treatments and increase of PhilHealth benefits by 50%. Herbosa also failed to submit a plan to reduce medical costs, which was due last month, and implement the 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits. Lee expressed frustration with Herbosa’s lack of professionalism, stating, “If the DOH cannot even respond to Congress, how can they effectively lead the country’s healthcare system?” The solon warned, highlighting that millions of Filipinos are being let down by these delays, which worsen their health and financial struggles. As a staunch advocate for Universal Health Care in the country, Lee emphasized the need for leadership that delivers results. “If Secretary Herbosa cannot fulfill his duties, it’s time to find someone who can,” he said. #HealthcareAccountability #UniversalHealthCare #WiseMoves 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 STRICTER IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS NEEDED TO BOOST ACCESS TO CHEAPER MEDICINES – LEE
Lee Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises
Lee Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called for the resignation of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing his failure to deliver on crucial healthcare commitments. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2090, formally demanding accountability for Herbosa’s unfulfilled promises made during the House deliberations on the 2025 DOH budget. Among the lapses noted was the failure to submit a comprehensive plan to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses, which was due last October 31, 2024. Herbosa also missed the implementation of a 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefits increase, expected to take effect this November. Lee accused the DOH of undermining Congress and the Filipino people by failing to respond to follow-up letters regarding these commitments. “Sec. Herbosa has misled millions of Filipinos with empty promises. If he cannot fulfill these commitments, he must step down,” Lee declared. He also criticized the DOH for violating the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) policy on timely responses to government transactions. Lee vowed to continue pushing for leadership that prioritizes healthcare reforms, saying, “The health and well-being of Filipinos must not suffer due to ineffective leadership.” #HealthReforms #AccountabilityNow #WiseLeadership 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
DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee
DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called on Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa to resign due to failure to address key issues on the country’s healthcare system which he committed during the House budget deliberations. In his filed House Resolution No. 2090, Lee cited the commitments signed by Herbosa and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. last September 25 during the House Plenary deliberations of the 2025 DOH budget, which were not complied with despite lapsed and looming deadlines of some commitments. It can be recalled that the Bicolano lawmaker first floated the suggestion for Herbosa to resign last October 10 if the commitments he signed remain undelivered. “Malinaw na ang DOH, bilang tagapamuno ng Benefits Committee ng PhilHealth, ang dapat na manguna sa pagpapatupad ng kasunduang ito. Kung walang balak si Sec. Herbosa na tumupad dito, ngayon pa lang ay magbitiw na siya sa puwesto. Dahil kung wala silang isang salita, ako mismo, kasama ang sambayanan ay maniningil sa pagpapaasa na naman sa milyon-milyong Pilipino,” the solon earlier stated. Among the commitments made that have lapsed are the submission of a detailed and comprehensive plan with definite timeline to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos and comprehensive report on the availability of medicines and vaccines which was due last October 31, 2024. Meanwhile, the commitment to implement a 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefits increase that should be effective starting this November has yet to materialize notwithstanding the approaching end of the month. “The document with commitments signed by Health Secretary Herbosa and PhilHealth Chief Ledesma is not only for their ministerial duties, but also for their genuine compliance to the Congress as an institution, and ultimately to the Filipino people who deserve a better healthcare system,” Lee said. “Sec. Herbosa has intentionally misled the Filipino people into believing that he will fulfill the commitments made by the DOH during the budget deliberations,” he added. Lee shared that despite follow-up letters addressed to Herbosa and received by the DOH office on October 7 and November 5, the Health Secretary did not respond to the call and did not comply with the said commitments. “Nasaan na ang propesyunalismo at respeto sa Kongreso, kung sa mga sulat ukol sa kasunduang pinirmahan niya habang nasa budget deliberations at nasa records ng Kongreso ay di man lang sumagot? May polisiya ang gobyerno na nagsasabing dapat makatugon ang mga ahensya at opisina ng gobyerno sa mga sulat. Kung nagagawa ni Sec. Herbosa na balewalain ang Kongreso, ano pang aasahan natin sa kanyang liderato?” Lee said referring to the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) “3-7-20” policy which mandates government agencies to hasten the processing time of transactions to three (3) days for simple transactions, (seven) 7 days for complex transactions and twenty (20) days for highly technical application. “The DOH and Secretary Ted Herbosa’s failure to resolve fundamental health issues reflects a lack of effective leadership and accountability,” the solon added. Other commitments that Lee sealed with DOH and PhilHealth include free pediatrics and adult prescription glasses effective November 2024, 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 and heart procedures not later than December 31, 2024. A staunch health advocate, Lee is the driving force to increase PhilHealth benefits by 30% which was implemented last February 14. PhilHealth’s benefit package for hemodialysis was also expanded from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as for the breast cancer treatment coverage which increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. “Habang pinatatagal ang pagtupad sa mga dagdag na benepisyong pangkalusugan, nadadagdagan ang bilang ng mga Pilipinong patuloy na nagdurusa at nagtitiis sa mga tingi-tinging serbisyo. Kung hindi ito kayang maipatupad, dapat nang maghanap ng karapat-dapat at epektibong pinuno ng DOH,” Lee said. “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng Pilipino, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno. Hindi natin ito makakamit kung ang mismong Kalihim ng Kalusugan ay bingi at manhid sa pangangailangang pangkalusugan ng mamamayan. Hindi na siya dapat pang manatili sa puwesto kung pinapaasa at niloloko lang niya ang mga Pilipino,” he added. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 23 Nov 2024 Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals 22 Nov 2024 “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Proposes Creation of National Medicine Bank to Aid Vulnerable Filipinos
Lee Proposes Creation of National Medicine Bank to Aid Vulnerable Filipinos Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed House Bill No. 11082, also known as the “Medicine Bank Act,” to establish a National Medicine Bank aimed at providing vulnerable sectors with access to essential medicines and healthcare supplies. This proposed measure seeks to efficiently collect and distribute donated pharmaceuticals to community health centers and government facilities. Lee emphasized the importance of this initiative while speaking at the 50th Anniversary of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists Inc. (IPAO). “Kapag naisabatas ito, hindi na magiging pahirapan para sa ating mga kababayan ang access sa gamot, lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad,” Lee said. Under the proposed measure, the Department of Health (DOH) will oversee the inventory and proper storage of donated items, ensuring these resources are utilized effectively and waste is minimized. “This is about responsible management of excess medical resources, turning waste into life-saving aid for those who need it most,” Lee added. The solon’s proposal is part of his broader advocacy for accessible healthcare, addressing long-standing issues in public hospital supply chains that have left many Filipinos struggling to afford or access medication. #MedicineBankPH #HealthForAll #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 23 Nov 2024 Lee’s Free Vaccination Bill for Seniors Aligns with Universal Health Care Goals 22 Nov 2024 “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!”: Lee Pushes Free Vaccines for Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News