Zero Gov’t Subsidy For PhilHealth Injustice To Filipinos, Fast-Track Health Benefit Increases – Lee
Zero Gov’t Subsidy For PhilHealth Injustice To Filipinos, Fast-Track Health Benefit Increases – Lee “Kung may malinaw na plano at nagagamit agad ang pondo para sa dagdag-benepisyo, hindi sana zero ang subsidy.” This was the statement of Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he slammed the Department of Health (DOH) over the recent removal of government subsidy for Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) in the 2025 National Budget. “Ang sinasabing dahilan ng zero subsidy ay dahil marami pang pondo ang PhilHealth. Pero para sa atin, hindi ito ‘excess funds’ kundi ‘unused funds’–pondo ito na dapat napakinabangan na ng mga Pilipino. Yung subsidy na ipinagkait para sa susunod na taon, ay mailalaan pa sana sa mga serbisyo para sa mas nangangailangan nating mga kababayan,” Lee said during the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Tuesday. “Nung nakaraang taon pa natin inexpose na nasa mahigit 500 billion pesos o kalahating trilyon ang nakatengga sa bangko ng PhilHealth, na dapat gamitin ito agad sa pagpapalawak ng benepisyo. Pero anong nangyari? Napakakupad ng implementasyon. Ano ba talagang rason ng delay?” “Di ko matanggap na wala tayong paraan para bilisan ito. Kailangan ba araw-araw kayo magmeeting para magawa ito? A little more patience? Anong kapalit, more patients dying? Kung lagi na lang magtitiis sa napakabagal na dagdag na benepisyo, baka lagi nang ma-zero ang subsidy ng PhilHealth,” the solon from Bicol added. Citing the commitments he sealed with DOH and PhilHealth during the House Budget Deliberations last September 25, Lee underscored the urgent need to use the available funds of PhilHealth to provide quality health services for Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sectors. “Sa bilyon-bilyong halaga na meron ang PhilHealth at sa dapat na naipagkaloob na subsidy, marami nating mga kababayan ang pwedeng masagot na ang PET scan, CT scan, MRI, at mababawasan ang gastos sa pagpapa-ospital, lalo na sa pagpapagamot ng mga mabibigat na karamdaman,” the lawmaker said. “Oktubre pa natin hiningi sa DOH, sa kasunduan na pinirmahan mismo ni Sec. Ted Herbosa, na pinresenta natin sa Kongreso, ang komprehensibong plano para sa pagpapababa ng gastos ng Pilipino sa pagpapa-ospital. Pero wala man lang siyang paramdam sa atin. Kung may kongkreto sanang plano kung saan gagamitin ang pondo, mas maipaglalaban pa natin ang subsidiya para sa PhilHealth.” “Nasaan ang hustisya kung sa pagka-manhid at kapalpakan ng ilang namumuno, milyon-milyong Pilipino ang magdurusa at mapagkakaitan ng dagdag na benepisyong pangkalusugan? Kaya ang panawagan natin, magbitiw na si Sec. Herbosa kung siya rin lang naman ang nagpapabagal sa pagpapatupad ng mga benepisyong karapatan at deserve ng ating mga kababayan,” Lee earlier stated. Through Lee’s secured commitments, PhilHealth Board recently approved the following: – Free eye checkup and free eyeglasses, including free operation for cataract– Expanded PhilHealth coverage for heart procedures– Expanded emergency care benefit package– 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits on some case rates A staunch health advocate, the Bicolano lawmaker is also instrumental in the 30% increase of PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 2024. 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 the breast cancer treatment coverage which increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. “Sa kabila ng mga dagdag benepisyong ito, kulang na kulang pa ito. Hindi pwedeng tingi-tingi pa rin ang serbisyo lalo na sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Pwede ba natin sabihin sa mga kababayan natin na ‘wag muna silang magkasakit, na ‘wag muna silang magpa-opera kasi hinihintay pang madagdagan ‘yung sasagutin ng PhilHealth?” Lee asked.“Marami ang pinipili na lang maratay sa bahay sa kabila ng karamdaman, sa takot na malubog lalo sa utang at kahirapan at maging pabigat pa sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Kung magpapatuloy ang zero subsidy dahil sa kawalan o mabagal na benefit enhancement at malaking investible funds ng PhilHealth, di maibibigay sa mga Pilipino ang nararapat na kalinga. Without a clear and actionable plan and clear coordination between the DOH and PhilHealth, we are simply perpetuating a broken system that will prolong the suffering of our countrymen.” “Ang layunin natin: ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, sagot na ng gobyerno. Wag tayong gumawa ng mga polisiya na paurong, kundi palapit sa katuparan ng mga nararapat na serbisyo para sa mga Pilipino,” he concluded. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 17 Dec 2024 Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth Injustice To Filipinos, Fast-Track Health Benefit Increases – Lee 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 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Slams DOH For Delays in Delivering Health Benefits to Filipinos
Lee Slams DOH For Delays in Delivering Health Benefits to Filipinos “Bawat araw ng delay ay maraming Pilipino ang naghihirap, nalulubog sa utang, o namamatay dahil sa kakulangan ng serbisyong pangkalusugan.” This was the strong statement from Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he held the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth accountable for their commitments to improve healthcare access for Filipinos. Lee criticized the agencies for failing to meet deadlines and implement promised reforms under the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Law. Lee pointed out the DOH’s delay in submitting a comprehensive plan to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs, a promise Health Secretary Ted Herbosa made during budget deliberations. “If the Secretary cannot fulfill these commitments, he should step down. Public service is about delivering results, not empty promises,” Lee said. In addition to his criticism, Lee highlighted the looming deadlines for other commitments, such as 50% PhilHealth benefit increases, 80% coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases, and expanded diagnostic services by year-end. He reminded the agencies that billions of pesos allocated for healthcare must be used efficiently to provide life-saving benefits to Filipinos. The Bicolano lawmaker’s advocacy for better healthcare services has yielded results, including significant increases in PhilHealth coverage for hemodialysis and breast cancer treatment and full coverage for dialysis. “This fight is for every Filipino family who dreams of a day when healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” Lee declared. #UniversalHealthCare #HealthIsARight #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 15 Nov 2024 Lee Criticizes DOH for Failing to Deliver Promised Healthcare Plan 14 Nov 2024 Lee Wants Free Vaccines For All Senior Citizens 14 Nov 2024 Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respect Filing of Ethics Complaint by Lawmakers
Lee Respect Filing of Ethics Complaint by Lawmakers Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee expressed his respect for the filing of an ethics complaint by fellow lawmakers against him, emphasizing that his actions were rooted in his advocacy for expanded PhilHealth benefits and transparency in the healthcare sector. “Hindi po natin kailanman magiging intensyon ang manakit o mambully. Iginagalang po natin ito bilang karapatan ng kapwa natin mambabatas,” Lee said, reiterating his dedication to improving healthcare access for Filipinos. #HealthcareAdvocate #WilbertLeeForTransparency #PhilHealthBenefits #SupportForThePeople Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues 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
“Sampolan ang DOH!” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks Budget Over Failure to Implement PhilHealth Changes
“Sampolan ang DOH!” Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks Budget Over Failure to Implement PhilHealth Changes Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee expresses strong dedication to healthcare reform anew by blocking the DOH budget in the House plenary session. Lee demanded a clear plan for PhilHealth benefit increases, including diagnostics and cancer treatments, to alleviate the burden on Filipinos. “Ang sabi ‘Bawat buhay mahalaga’ patunayan natin ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtataas ng benepisyo. Libreng gamot at pagpapagamot, gawin na natin!” Lee emphasized, adding that the current system continues to fail millions of Filipinos who struggle with healthcare costs. Lee remains determined to hold the DOH and PhilHealth accountable, pushing for reforms that will bring lasting change to the country’s healthcare system. #WilbertLeeForHealthcare #DOHAccountability #PhilHealthReformNow #HealthForThePeople Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues 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
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Stands Firm: Demands Radical Overhaul in PhilHealth Benefits
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Stands Firm: Demands Radical Overhaul in PhilHealth Benefits In a bold move during the House plenary debates, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee deferred the 2025 DOH budget, insisting on a comprehensive plan for increased PhilHealth benefits. Lee called for immediate action, including a 50% benefits increase and full coverage for diagnostic tests and cancer treatments. “We need a radical overhaul, hindi tingi-tingi na suporta sa serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Lee stressed, as he urged the DOH to present clear timelines for these reforms. #RadicalHealthReforms #PhilHealthOverhaul #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #HealthcareForAll 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
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks DOH Budget Over Lack of Action on PhilHealth Reforms
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Blocks DOH Budget Over Lack of Action on PhilHealth Reforms Frustrated by the lack of a clear plan from the Department of Health (DOH), Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has deferred the 2025 budget of the agency, demanding concrete steps to reduce Filipinos’ out-of-pocket medical expenses. Lee’s move highlights the urgency of PhilHealth reform, as delays in implementing increased benefits have left millions of Filipinos struggling with healthcare costs. “Nakakadismaya po itong ginagawa ng DOH,” Lee lamented, pushing for immediate action and accountability from the PhilHealth Benefits Committee. #HealthcareReformNow #PhilHealthChanges #WilbertLeeForThePeople #DOHBudgetBlocked Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues 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