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 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