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
Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation
Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has demanded accountability from the Department of Health (DOH) over ₱11.18 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines, describing the waste as an unforgivable lapse in governance. In filing House Resolution No. 2117, Lee also reiterated his call for DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa’s resignation, citing persistent inefficiencies and unfulfilled commitments. “This isn’t just a case of expired supplies; this is a failure to serve the Filipino people. While public hospitals run out of medicine, billions of pesos worth of health resources go to waste. Someone must answer for this,” Lee said. The COA report attributed the wastage to inadequate procurement planning and poor logistical management. Lee demanded a congressional inquiry to identify the root causes and prevent such negligence from happening again. He also called for reforms to ensure timely and effective distribution of public health resources. Lee criticized the DOH for failing to submit a comprehensive report on the availability of medicines and vaccines in public hospitals, a commitment made during the 2025 budget deliberations. “How can we improve healthcare if the department in charge cannot even fulfill basic responsibilities?” he questioned. The Bicolano lawmaker urged swift action to rebuild trust in the healthcare system, emphasizing that leadership changes may be necessary. “The Filipino people deserve a healthcare system led by capable and compassionate leaders,” he concluded. #HealthcareAccountability #StopTheWaste #WiseAdvocacy 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 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
National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access
National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee is advocating for the creation of a National Medicine Bank through House Bill No. 11082 to bridge the gap in healthcare access for marginalized Filipinos. This measure aims to collect and store donated pharmaceuticals and distribute them to community health centers and government hospitals nationwide. Lee expressed frustration over persistent supply chain issues during the deliberations of the 2025 DOH Budget. “Bilyon-bilyong piso ang pondo para sa gamot, pero bakit laging problema ang kawalan ng gamot sa mga public hospitals?” he questioned, highlighting the need for systemic reform. The Medicine Bank would serve as a centralized hub for prescription and over-the-counter drugs, reducing the financial strain on Filipinos who often have to travel long distances or pay exorbitant prices for essential medicines. “Gusto natin na mabawasan ang pangamba ng bawat Pilipino. Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno,” Lee asserted. This initiative aligns with Lee’s ongoing health advocacy, complementing his success in securing increased PhilHealth benefits and other healthcare reforms for the Filipino people. #HealthcareForAll #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Access and Equity 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
Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare
Lee Links Red Tape in Worsening Struggles in PH Healthcare Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee underscored how red tape in government processes extends to healthcare, preventing Filipinos from accessing life-saving medical assistance. Through House Resolution No. 2051, Lee seeks to simplify and expedite government services to benefit citizens in need. “Many Filipinos, especially those who are sick, choose to endure their illnesses at home rather than seek medical help because of high costs and the tedious process of applying for assistance. This must change,” Lee declared. The Bicolano lawmaker has long been an advocate for healthcare reforms. He reminded the public of the commitments he secured from the DOH and PhilHealth to reduce medical costs and expand benefits, including free diagnostic scans and increased PhilHealth coverage for cancer and heart disease treatments by the end of 2024. Lee also celebrated his success in pushing for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits earlier this year. He reiterated, “The government’s funds are the people’s money. There is no reason Filipinos should not receive the services they rightfully deserve.” #HealthcareReform #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseLeadership Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 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 18 Nov 2024 Lee Urges Simplification of Government Services to Aid Filipinos in Need Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits
Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee welcomed the Supreme Court’s issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the transfer of PhilHealth funds to the National Treasury, signaling a potential win for expanded healthcare benefits. Lee has long been at the forefront of pushing for reforms to maximize PhilHealth’s resources for Filipinos’ welfare. “This TRO means more funds can go toward the radical expansion of benefits we’ve been advocating for,” Lee remarked. He reiterated his proposals under House Bill No. 10995, which include lowering premium contributions, periodic reviews of benefit packages, and suspending increases during emergencies. Lee’s health advocacy has yielded significant wins, such as the February 14 PhilHealth benefit expansion. These achievements include increased breast cancer treatment coverage, improved hemodialysis sessions, and reduced out-of-pocket expenses for thousands of families. “Bawat araw ay marami tayong kababayan ang hindi makabili ng gamot o makapagpa-checkup. Karapatan nila ito na dapat ipagkaloob ng gobyerno,” Lee asserted. His call for universal healthcare echoes his trademark slogan: “Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” Lee vowed to continue his fight for comprehensive healthcare reforms, emphasizing that health is a right, not a privilege. “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot ng bawat Pilipino, sagot na dapat ng gobyerno. Yan ang ating ipinaglalaban,” he concluded. #HealthIsARight #UHCReforms #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 14 Nov 2024 Lee Lauds Supreme Court’s TRO, Renews Call for Enhanced UHC Benefits 13 Nov 2024 PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law 12 Nov 2024 Lee Files Measure To Simplify Processes In Availing Gov't Services, Hasten Emergency Response Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law
PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee, a staunch health advocate, is doubling down on his efforts to expand PhilHealth benefits through strategic amendments to the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act. Lee’s House Bill No. 10995 proposes bold reforms to ensure Filipinos get better healthcare coverage without bearing the brunt of rising contributions. Lee cited the challenges facing UHC implementation, including inadequate reviews of benefit packages and fund management inefficiencies. “Napakaraming pera ng PhilHealth, dapat ilaan ito di lang sa pagpapalawak ng mga benepisyo kundi pati na rin sa pagpapababa ng kontribusyon,” Lee asserted, highlighting his push for reduced premiums and better coverage. The Bicolano lawmaker has also championed life-saving measures like the free provision of diagnostic scans, prescription glasses, and expanded cancer and heart procedure coverage. Earlier this year, Lee celebrated the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits, including a dramatic rise in breast cancer treatment coverage from P100,000 to P1.4 million and expanded hemodialysis sessions from 90 to 156 annually with a coverage of P6,350 per session from P2,000. “Our people deserve more than incremental improvements. They deserve bold actions that will lift the burden of medical costs off their shoulders,” Lee said, renewing his commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for all Filipinos. #PhilHealthReforms #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 13 Nov 2024 PhilHealth Benefit Expansion: Lee Advocates Improvements in UHC Law 12 Nov 2024 Lee Files Measure To Simplify Processes In Availing Gov't Services, Hasten Emergency Response 11 Nov 2024 Lee Pushes for UHC Act Amendments to Ease Filipinos’ Healthcare Burdens Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee to DOH and PhilHealth: “Use Health Funds for People’s Health”
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee to DOH and PhilHealth: “Use Health Funds for People’s Health” As the P30 billion PhilHealth fund is transferred to support other government appropriations, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee keeps an eye on DOH and PhilHealth’s benefit expansion commitments. Lee, who successfully pushed for a 30% PhilHealth increase last February, urges the departments to focus on timely implementation. “Hindi dapat pabigat sa taumbayan,” Lee stated, advocating for immediate and comprehensive healthcare access for all Filipinos. #HealthcareExpansion #PhilHealthForThePeople #WilbertLeeHealthAdvocate #BudgetForHealth 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 Respects Lawmakers’ Complaint, Stresses Need for Immediate PhilHealth Reforms
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respects Lawmakers’ Complaint, Stresses Need for Immediate PhilHealth Reforms Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee responded to the ethics complaint filed by fellow lawmakers, asserting that he respects that said complaint and that his goal was always to secure better healthcare for Filipinos. With more than P500 billion in PhilHealth’s available funds, Lee pushed for urgent benefit increases and public transparency in deliberations. “Ang pondo para sa kalusugan, dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan,” Lee remarked, emphasizing that more Filipinos deserve access to affordable and effective healthcare services. #HealthcareReformNow #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #PhilHealthTransparency #EthicsAndReforms 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 Defends Push for PhilHealth Benefit Expansion Amid Ethics Complaint
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Defends Push for PhilHealth Benefit Expansion Amid Ethics Complaint Amid the Ethics complaint filed against him by fellow lawmakers, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee emphasized his strong commtiment to secure vital commitments from the DOH and PhilHealth to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses for Filipinos. Lee’s efforts include advocating for free diagnostic tests, 80% cancer treatment coverage, and 50% increases in benefits. “Naninindigan po tayo sa hangarin nating tugunan ang kulang-kulang at napakamahal na benepisyo,” Lee said, underscoring his commitment to healthcare reform. #PhilHealthReforms #WilbertLeeForThePeople #HealthcareForAll #EthicsAndAccountability 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