Lee Demands Swift Action on DOH and PhilHealth Health Commitments
Lee Demands Swift Action on DOH and PhilHealth Health Commitments Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee intensified his call for accountability from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth, criticizing the delay in delivering on their health commitments. Among these are the 50% across-the-board increases in PhilHealth benefits and free prescription glasses for adults and children, set for implementation in November. Lee emphasized the urgency of fulfilling these promises, pointing out the dire consequences of delayed action. “Every day of delay means another Filipino family pushed deeper into poverty because of health expenses. The funds are there—use them for the people’s health!” Lee urged. During the 2025 budget deliberations, Lee also secured commitments for free diagnostic scans, including PET, CT, and MRI scans, and 80% coverage for cancer and heart disease treatments by the end of 2024. “These services are not luxuries; they are necessities. Filipinos cannot wait any longer,” he remarked. The lawmaker, known for his health advocacy, highlighted his previous success in pushing for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits. “If we can achieve that, there’s no reason why we can’t immediately deliver more comprehensive healthcare reforms,” he added, vowing to continue monitoring the agencies’ compliance. #PhilHealthReforms #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseAdvocacy 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. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All
Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Secures Free Prescription Glasses in PhilHealth Package, Ensuring Eye Care for All After tirelessly advocating for free eye care, Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee applauded PhilHealth’s announcement that millions of Filipinos will soon have access to free prescription glasses and optometric services starting in November. This initiative, achieved through Lee’s efforts in collaboration with DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., ensures that eye care reaches even the most financially vulnerable communities. This new service supports Lee’s goal of achieving affordable healthcare for all under the Universal Health Care Law. Lee, who is leading relief operations in Bicol for communities affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, highlighted the critical role that clear vision plays in enhancing productivity and quality of life. For many Filipinos, the high cost of eye check-ups and prescription glasses has been a burden. “Malaking tulong ito lalo na sa mahihirap nating kababayan na tinitiis na lang ang malabong paningin,” he said, stressing the benefits this initiative brings to families in need. Lee’s broader healthcare commitments include free diagnostic tests, expanded cancer treatment coverage, and a 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits—all set for implementation by year-end. “Laban natin itong lahat!” Lee declared, pledging to monitor DOH and PhilHealth to ensure these health services are delivered promptly. His advocacy continues to bridge healthcare gaps for millions across the nation, underscoring his dedication to a healthier Philippines. #FreeEyeCare #HealthcareForFilipinos #WilbertLeeHealthAdvocacy #AGRIForChange Healthcare Policy Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Supreme Court Welcomes SC Decision to Stop PhilHealth Fund Transfer 07 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 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
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Monitors DOH, PhilHealth Promises for Increased Health Benefits
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Monitors DOH, PhilHealth Promises for Increased Health Benefits With PhilHealth’s recent fund reallocation, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee reminded DOH and PhilHealth of their commitments, including 80% coverage for cancer treatments, free diagnostic tests, and a 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits by November. Lee highlighted the urgency for implementation, pointing out that millions of Filipinos face delays in receiving essential healthcare services. “Hindi dapat pinatatagal ang mga serbisyong kailangan ng mga Pilipino,” Lee remarked, stressing the importance of quick action. #AffordableHealthcare #PhilHealthEnhancements #WilbertLeeForBetterHealth #HealthBenefitsNow 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
Free Prescription Glasses, Optometric Services Lee Fought For To Benefit Millions Of Filipinos
Free Prescription Glasses, Optometric Services Lee Fought For To Benefit Millions Of Filipinos Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee who has been fighting for free optometric services and free eyeglasses since early this year, welcomed the inclusion of said services in PhilHealth benefit packages starting this November as announced by the state health insurer. Free optometric services and prescription glasses are among the health commitments secured by Lee and signed by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. before the approval of the DOH budget last September 25, 2024 at the House of Representatives. “This is long overdue. Masaya po tayong nalalapit na ang katuparan nito kung saan mahigit 40 milyong Pilipino ang makikinabang, mula bata hanggang sa ating mga senior citizens,” said Lee who is now in Bicol leading the relief operations for fellow Bicolanos who were heavily affected by the onslaught of severe tropical storm Kristine. The lawmaker is also distributing relief goods in other parts of the country affected by the calamity. “Malaking tulong ito lalo na sa mahihirap nating kababayan na tinitiis na lang ang malabong paningin o lumalala ang problema sa mata hanggang mabulag dahil walang pera para magpacheck-up at magpagawa ng salamin,” he added. The said pronouncement from the PhilHealth complies with the deadline that Lee set in the commitment letter to cover pediatrics and adult prescription glasses not later than November 30, 2024. Integrated Philippine Association of Optometrists (IPAO) President Dr. John Nakpil said that the commitment of the DOH and PhilHealth spearheaded by Lee led to the creation of a technical working group (TWG) to develop the guidelines for the implementation of free prescription glasses and optometric services. It can be recalled that as early as March 5, 2024, Lee filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1623 urging PhilHealth to include optometric services in its benefit package. According to IPAO Chairman Dr. Charlie Ho, Lee’s HR 1623 “paved the way and advocated for Filipinos’ right to comprehensive optometric services and free prescription eyeglasses to improve productivity and reduce the financial burden of Filipinos.” A staunch health advocate, Lee described the move as a significant step towards achieving broader healthcare access as part of the Universal Health Care Law, particularly for Filipinos struggling with vision problems. “Malaking tulong ito sa productivity ng ating mga kababayan. Magbibigay liwanag ito hindi lang sa paningin, kundi pati na sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay at kinabukasan ng milyon-milyon nating kababayan,” he said. Other health services included in the commitments from DOH and PhilHealth, among others, 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; “Patuloy po nating bantayan ang pagtupad ng DOH at PhilHealth sa mga ipinangako nilang serbisyong pangkalusugan na kailangang-kailangan at matagal nang inaasam ng ating mga kababayan. Huwag natin itong tantanan. Laban natin itong lahat!” Lee 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
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
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
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for Livestreaming of PhilHealth BenCom Meeting to Ensure Public Access
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for Livestreaming of PhilHealth BenCom Meeting to Ensure Public Access As part of his push for greater transparency, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2015, calling for the PhilHealth Benefits Committee (BenCom) to livestream their meetings. With decisions about PhilHealth benefits impacting millions of Filipinos, Lee stressed the importance of public access to the deliberations on increasing coverage for medical treatments and ensuring better healthcare for all. “Kung kaya nilang itaas ang hemodialysis coverage, bakit hindi sa iba pang kritikal na paggamot?” Lee asked, pushing for action and accountability. #PhilHealthTransparency #WilbertLeeForThePeople #HealthcareReformsNow #PhilHealthAccessForAll 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
Lee Respects Filing Of Ethics Complaint Of Fellow Lawmakers
Lee Respects Filing Of Ethics Complaint Of Fellow Lawmakers “Hindi po natin kailanman magiging intensyon ang manakit o mambully.” This was the statement of Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee over the decision of his fellow lawmakers in filing an ethics complaint against him. “Iginagalang po natin ito bilang karapatan ng kapwa natin mambabatas,” Lee said. The Bicolano lawmaker further said that he had no intention to disrespect the institution and that his action was brought upon by his impassioned advocacy to put on record the commitments he secured from the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on lowering the out-of-pocket medical expenses of Filipinos. 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, Lee persistently and successfully pushed for the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. “Naninindigan po tayo sa hangarin nating tugunan na ang kulang-kulang at napakamahal na mga benepisyong pangkalusugan na isiniwalat natin noong nakaraang taon pa, at mahigit isang dekadang hindi inaksyunan ng DOH at PhilHealth,” the solon from Bicol remarked. It can be recalled that Lee deferred the budget of DOH and its attached agencies during the House plenary debates on September 23 due to his dissatisfaction over its lack of urgency and inaction on expanding PhilHealth benefit coverage despite the state health insurer’s billions of available funds that he exposed during the DOH budget briefing last year. Lee stated that he will explain his side once summoned by the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges saying, “Hinihintay lang po natin na makakuha ng opisyal na kopya para makatugon sa nasabing ethics complaint.” 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
“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