LEE MARKS 2024 WITH BIG WINS, VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR BETTER SERVICES FILIPINOS DESERVE
LEE MARKS 2024 WITH BIG WINS, VOWS TO CONTINUE FIGHTING FOR BETTER SERVICES FILIPINOS DESERVE Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee is elated over the productive year in fighting for meaningful measures to ease the burden and allay the concerns of Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sectors. “Nagpapasalamat po tayo, unang-una sa Panginoon, sa mga biyaya at tagumpay na nakamit natin nitong nagdaang taon, sa pagsusulong ng mga polisiya at batas para mapagaan ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ng mas nangangailangan,” Lee said. “Sa kabila po ng mga hinaharap nating hamon at darating pang pagsubok, sama-sama nating salubungin ang Bagong Taon na puno ng pag-asa, tatag ng loob at malasakit sa isa’t isa. Patuloy po sana tayong magtulungan para mabawasan ang pangamba ng bawat Pilipino, kasama ang mga kababayan nating nakikipagsapalaran sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo,” he added. The Bicolano lawmaker also took the time to thank his colleagues in the House of Representatives and his staff saying, “I thank all of you for your support for our shared causes. There may have been hardships, like in any other endeavor, but without your solidarity and compassion, we would not have been able to reach this point.” As a staunch health advocate, Lee cemented his legacy in fighting for the needed increase in benefits provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). As the lawmaker who first exposed the hundreds of billions of funds of PhilHealth in September 2023, Lee made great strides as he successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits, implemented last February 14. 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. Lee also prevailed in including free eye checkup, free cataract extraction and free prescription glasses and another round of 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits, and pushing for expanded benefits on heart ailments, new benefit packages for outpatient emergency care services and kidney transplant. “Marami na tayong napagtagumpayan ngunit hindi po dito natatapos ang ating paniningil at pangangalampag sa Deparment of Health (DOH) at PhilHealth hanggang maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot. Dahil ang ipinaglalaban ko: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he stressed. AGRI Party-list, under Lee’s leadership, also doubled down in championing legislative measures to protect the livelihood of farmers, fisherfolk and local food producers, to provide long-term solutions to rising prices of food, and achieve food security. Among Lee’s principally authored legislations that passed into law this year are Republic Act (RA) No. 11985 or the “Philippine Salt Industry Development Act”, RA 12022 or the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act” and RA 12078 or the “Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 12078)”. AGRI Party-list, likewise, continues to push for the passage of the “Cheaper Rice Act,” “Post-harvest Facilities Act,” Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act” and “Fishing Shelters and Ports Act”. For 2025, Lee expressed hope for continued strength, optimism and compassion in achieving the Filipino’s dream. “Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa lumalawak pang suporta ng ating mga kababayan sa ating mga ipinaglalabang dagdag na serbisyo at benepisyo na karapatan at deserve nilang matanggap. Sa patuloy po ninyong tiwala at pakikipagtulungan, marami pa tayong mapagtatagumpayan sa mga susunod na taon,” the solon from Bicol said. “Wishing you a Grace-filled and Happy New Year! God bless us all!” he concluded. ### Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 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 28 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH to Prioritize Healthcare, Fast-Track Benefit Enhancements Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
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