Lee Urges Restoration of PhilHealth Subsidy, Warns of Impact on Poor Filipinos
Lee Urges Restoration of PhilHealth Subsidy, Warns of Impact on Poor Filipinos Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called on lawmakers to restore the government subsidy for PhilHealth in the 2025 national budget, warning of dire consequences for vulnerable Filipinos if the funding cut is implemented. Lee highlighted how the removal of the subsidy would affect millions of indigents, senior citizens, and unemployed persons with disabilities (PWDs), who depend on PhilHealth for their healthcare needs. “This decision is a direct blow to the Universal Health Care Law’s essence of providing accessible and affordable healthcare for all. It is the poor who will suffer the most,” Lee remarked. He criticized the leadership of the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth for failing to protect these crucial resources, citing inefficiencies and a lack of urgency in addressing health issues. Lee also pointed to the mismanagement of PhilHealth funds, including the proposed transfer of ₱89.9 billion to the National Treasury, which he vehemently opposed. “Health funds should be used for health—nothing else. Every peso wasted is a life that could have been saved,” he emphasized. The solon renewed his push for reforms, including free diagnostic services, 80% coverage for cancer treatments, and further increases in PhilHealth benefits. He vowed to continue fighting for a healthcare system that prioritizes the welfare of all Filipinos. “We will not stop until every Filipino has access to the healthcare they deserve,” Lee said. #HealthcareForAll #UniversalHealthCare #WiseMoves Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 18 Dec 2024 ₱11-B Expired Medicines: Lee Seeks Accountability, Reforms in DOH Operations 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 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 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 Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens
Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed House Bill No. 11055, also known as the “Safeguarding Seniors: Free Immunization Act of 2024,” to provide free vaccines for all senior citizens in the country. This proposed measure seeks to amend the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 to include all seniors, not just indigents, in free immunization programs. Lee’s bill aims to expand free vaccination coverage beyond influenza and pneumococcal diseases to include vaccines for pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, diphtheria, and other illnesses as recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). “Sa kanilang pagtanda, sila naman ang gusto nating arugain. Kailangang gawing libre ang bakuna para mapanatili ang kanilang kalusugan,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker underscored the importance of protecting the elderly from preventable diseases, citing their vulnerability due to weaker immune systems. “By providing free vaccines, we can ease the burden of illness and reduce the financial strain on seniors and their families,” he added. This move aligns with the Universal Health Care Act’s vision of free and accessible healthcare for all Filipinos. Lee reiterated his commitment to ensuring no senior citizen is left behind in the country’s healthcare system. #FreeVaccinesForSeniors #HealthForAll #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 21 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for Free Vaccines for All Senior Citizens 21 Nov 2024 Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors 20 Nov 2024 Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors
Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed a measure to establish an efficient collection of donated pharmaceuticals and healthcare supplies to be distributed to community health centers and various government-owned and operated institutional facilities for the benefit of Filipinos in need. At the sidelines of the 50th Anniversary of the Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists Inc. (IPAO) where Lee attended as Guest Speaker today, he stressed the importance of an efficient collection and distribution of donated pharmaceuticals and healthcare supplies to ensure that vulnerable individuals can receive necessary medications. Under Lee’s House Bill (HB) No. 11082 or the “Medicine Bank Act”, a National Medicine Bank will be created which will serve as a Mega-Hub for appropriate storage for all medicines such as prescription, non-prescription, and over-the-counter drugs, and other donated items. “Kapag naisabatas ito, hindi na magiging pahirapan para sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga nasa malalayong lugar ang access sa gamot, pati na sa panahon ng kalamidad. Kasama sa mga pagbibigyan ng mga gamot ang community health centers at government facilities. Hindi na kakailanganin pang bumiyahe at gumastos nang malaki para makabili ng gamot,” Lee remarked. Through this measure, the Department of Health (DOH) is tasked to conduct a careful inventory of the donated materials and their maintenance. This aims to promote responsible management of excess medical resources, reducing waste and optimizing the use of available healthcare supplies. It can be recalled that during the Bicolano lawmaker’s interpellation on the proposed 2025 DOH Budget, he questioned the supply chain issues hindering marginalized Filipinos to access medicines and medical equipment in public hospitals. “Bilyon-bilyong piso ang pondo para sa gamot pero bakit laging problema ng ating mga kababayan na walang gamot sa mga public hospitals? Bakit pinahihirapan pa ang ating mga kababayan na maghanap at bumili ng mas mahal na gamot sa labas? Saan napunta yung bilyon-bilyong pondo? Ano bang klase ng gamot ang binibili, at hindi tumutugma sa mga gamot na kailangan sa mga public hospital?” Lee asked. “Marami po sa ating mga kababayan ang napipilitang hatiin na lang ang gamot o kaya tinitiis na lang ang karamdaman dahil walang pambili ng gamot o dahil sa kawalan ng access dito. Obligasyon ng gobyernong agarang tugunan ito.” “Gusto natin na mabawasan ang pangamba ng bawat Pilipino na kapag nagkasakit o may di-inaasahang pangyayari, may tutulong at sasagot sa gamot at pagpapagamot nila at ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno,” he added. A staunch health advocate, Lee continues to monitor the implementation of the mentioned commitments he sealed from the DOH and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) during the House Budget Deliberations last September. The commitments include free optometric services and free eyeglasses and another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits this November, free Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and other diagnostic tests as part of outpatient services and at least 80% coverage for cancer treatments and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024. The Bicolano lawmaker likewise successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 14. The benefit hike includes increasing the PhilHealth benefit package for hemodialysis from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as the increase in breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4 million. Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 21 Nov 2024 Lee Bats For Creation Of Ph Medicine Bank For Vulnerable Sectors 20 Nov 2024 Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare 19 Nov 2024 Lee Advocates for Immediate Reform in Government Emergency Response Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Advocates for Immediate Reform in Government Emergency Response
Lee Advocates for Immediate Reform in Government Emergency Response Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee called out the inefficiencies in government emergency response systems as he filed House Resolution No. 2051, aimed at streamlining and simplifying processes in availing government services. He highlighted the struggles of calamity-stricken Filipinos burdened by excessive requirements when seeking assistance. “It is unacceptable that victims of disasters, who have already lost their livelihoods, still need to endure mountains of paperwork or beg for help just to receive government aid,” Lee asserted. Lee’s resolution urges the full implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Act and other anti-red tape laws to improve service delivery during emergencies. He also noted that the absence of streamlined systems not only delays aid but also encourages corruption within agencies. “We must act decisively to fix this broken system and prioritize the welfare of the people,” Lee said. The Bicolano solon emphasized that public funds are meant to serve the public efficiently, adding, “Government service should be immediate and helpful, not an additional burden to Filipinos.” #EaseOfDoingBusiness #EmergencyResponseReform #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 17 Nov 2024 Lee Slams DOH For Delays in Delivering Health Benefits to Filipinos 16 Nov 2024 Lee Demands Swift Action on DOH and PhilHealth Health Commitments 15 Nov 2024 Lee Criticizes DOH for Failing to Deliver Promised Healthcare Plan Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Hails SC TRO On PhilHealth Fund Transfer, Renews Call For Expanded Health Benefits
Lee Hails SC TRO On PhilHealth Fund Transfer, Renews Call For Expanded Health Benefits “Ang pondo para sa kalusugan, gamitin para sa kalusugan!” This was reiterated by Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he welcomed the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court to stop the transfer of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) excess funds to the National Treasury that he vehemently opposed. “Natutuwa po tayo sa desisyon na ito ng Korte Suprema na pagpapahinto sa paglipat ng pondo ng PhilHealth. Mula nga po nang na-expose natin yung sobra-sobrang pondo ng PhilHealth noong nakaraang taon pa, paulit-ulit tayong nangalampag, at ipinaglaban nating gamitin ang pondo para agarang tugunan ang kulang-kulang na serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga Pilipino,” said Lee who is currently leading various relief efforts in Bicol and other parts of the country heavily affected by severe tropical storm Kristine. The TRO will stop the supposed final tranche of the PhilHealth fund transfer this November amounting to P29.9 billion. As of Oct. 16, P60 billion had already been transferred to the National Treasury as ordered by the Department of Finance (DOF) through its Circular No. 003-2024. The Bicolano lawmaker opposed the said transfer, saying “Naninindigan po tayo na ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay hindi dapat gamitin sa mga programang hindi kasinghalaga ng kalusugan ng mga Pilipino, o yung wala namang mamamatay kung hindi gagawin.” “Imbes na sa PhilHealth bumawas ng pondo, kunin na lang sa iba pang GOCCs na may excess funds at hindi bahagi ng mandato ang social services. Dapat unahin ang dagdag na mga benepisyo mula sa PhilHealth. Kapag may sobra pa, pwedeng i-suspend o babaan ang contribution ng mga ordinaryong empleyado,” the solon earlier said. For Lee, with PhilHealth’s billions of available funds, the commitments he secured from the Department of Health (DOH) and the state health insurer to make radical improvements in the healthcare sector should be immediately implemented. “Walang dahilan ang DOH at PhilHealth na hindi tuparin ang mga itinulak natin at napagkasunduang pagpapalawak ng benepisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga Pilipino.” It can be recalled that during the last House Plenary Debates on the 2025 DOH Budget, Lee secured significant commitments signed by DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. Among the commitments sealed are: Free diagnostic tests such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of outpatient services not later than December 31, 2024; At least 80% coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 2024; 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increases effective November 2024; Free pediatrics and adult prescription glasses effective November 2024. A staunch health advocate, the solon from Bicol successfully fought for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. These include increasing the PhilHealth benefit package for hemodialysis from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as the increase in breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4M. “Ang gobyerno, hindi dapat pabigat sa taumbayan. Tungkulin nitong pagaanin ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan, kasama na ang pagbura sa kanilang pangamba na magkasakit dahil sa takot na lalong malubog sa kahirapan dahil walang perang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital,” Lee said. “Marami pang kulang, hindi pwedeng tingi-tingi ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan. Hangad po natin na ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng bawat Pilipino, sagot na ng gobyerno. Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko. Yan ang ating ipinaglalaban, at hindi po natin ito tatantanan!” he added. Healthcare Access and Equity 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
Amid P30B fund transfer Lee Keeps An Eye On DOH, PhilHealth To Deliver Commitments
Amid P30B fund transfer Lee Keeps An Eye On DOH, PhilHealth To Deliver Commitments As the P30 billion fund of the Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) is scheduled to be transferred today to the National Treasury to fund unprogrammed appropriations, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee reminds the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth of lowering the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos that they committed during the House Plenary budget deliberations. Lee reiterates that PhilHealth’s excess funds should be used for expanding its health benefits. But even with the return of P89.9 billion to state coffers, there are still billions of available PhilHealth funds that he exposed last year, and there is no reason not to increase the state health insurer’s benefit packages. “Naninindigan tayo na ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan. Hindi ito dapat gamitin sa mga proyekto na di kasing halaga ng kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan, o sa proyektong wala namang mamamatay kung hindi gawin,” the Bicolano lawmaker stated. “Sinusubaybayan natin ang progreso sa mga dagdag na serbisyong pangkalusugan na nakatakdang ipatupad ng DOH at PhilHealth simula Nobyembre. These benefit enhancements are long overdue,” he added. Lee is referring to the commitments signed by DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. which he secured during the House Plenary deliberations on September 25. These include: At least 80% coverage for cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, and heart bypass and other procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 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 not later than December 31, 2024; 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increases effective November 2024; Free pediatrics and adult prescription glasses effective November 2024. Lee stressed the need for DOH and PhilHealth to collaborate as there are less than two months remaining to fulfill the 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increase and provide free prescription glasses. “Milyon-milyong Pilipino ang araw-araw nagtitiis at lumalala ang sakit, o sa kasamaang palad ay namamatay, nang hindi man lang nagagamot o nakakatuntong sa ospital dahil sa dagdag pangambang dulot ng mahal na gamot at pagpapagamot,” he said. With the recent implementation of an increase in the hemodialysis package from P4,000 to P6,350 per session, the solon said that other health services should also be implemented soon such as the enhancement of Konsulta, PhilHealth’s primary care benefit package. A staunch health advocate, Lee successfully pushed for a 30% across-the-board increase in PhilHealth benefits last February 14, after more than a decade of these not being adjusted or reviewed by the DOH and PhilHealth. “Hindi tayo dapat pabigat sa taumbayan. Hindi na dapat pinatatagal ang implementasyon ng mga serbisyong kailangang-kailangan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na’t nandyan na ang pondo. Gawin na natin ito hanggang sa maging libre ang gamot at pagpapagamot,” the solon stated. Healthcare Access and Equity 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