WilbertHealthAdvocacy

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 Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs

Lee Blasts DOH For Failure To Submit Comprehensive Plan To Lower Out-Of-Pocket Medical Costs Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee slammed the Department of Health (DOH) for being unable to provide a detailed and comprehensive plan to lower out-of-pocket expenses of Filipinos on healthcare which Secretary Ted Herbosa committed to submit by October 31, 2024 during the House deliberations of the 2025 National Budget. The said plan must include a comprehensive report on medicines and vaccines, ensuring availability of drugs and medicines in the DOH retained and specialty hospital starting fourth quarter of this year, and establishment of a monitoring system to ensure compliance and provide quarterly reports to the House Committee on Health and Committee on Appropriations. Further, Lee asked for a definite timeline in acquiring medical equipment for public hospitals. “Bilang Kalihim ng Kalusugan at Tagapangulo ng Board of Directors at Benefits Committee ng PhilHealth, hindi pwedeng hanggang sa pangako lang ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan na opisyal naming nilagdaan at inilahad ko sa Kongreso,” said Lee referring to the health commitments signed by Herbosa and PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. “Tulad ng nauna ko nang sinabi, kung walang balak si Sec. Herbosa na tuparin ito, dapat magbitiw na siya sa puwesto. Hindi tayo titigil sa paniningil at pagpapanagot kung mauuwi ito sa pagpapaasa na naman sa milyon-milyong Pilipino sa mga serbisyong deserve at karapatan nilang makuha sa ilalim ng Universal Health Care Law,” the solon added. Lee wrote letters addressed to the Health Secretary reminding the agency of the said commitments, primarily the plan to reduce Filipino spending on hospitalization costs and health services. Nonetheless, as of writing, the said plan has not been submitted by DOH without any explanation on the delay. “Kailangan ng komprehensibong plano na pundasyon ng epektibong pagpapatupad ng hinihingi nating mga dagdag na mga benepisyo. Hindi pwedeng daanin na naman tayo sa pandidribble at tingi-tinging mga serbisyo,” he said. Lee further stated the other commitments nearing its deadline such as 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefit increases and free pediatrics and adult prescription glasses that must be implemented this November. “Nakita na natin ang pag-usad sa dapat na implementasyon ng libreng check-up sa mata at pagpapagawa ng salamin ng PhilHealth. Naghihintay tayo para sa napagkasunduang 50% na dagdag na mga benepisyo na dapat na ring ipatupad ng DOH at PhilHealth ngayong buwan,” the solon from Bicol said. Apart from the mentioned commitments, it can be recalled that during the last House Plenary Debates on the DOH 2025 Budget on September 25, Lee secured other commitments such as 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 such as chemotherapy and procedures for heart diseases not later than December 31, 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. “Sa laban para sa kalusugan ng mga Pilipino, hindi pwede ang mga serbisyong huwad at pagpapanggap lang. Dahil habang pinatatagal at ipinagkakait ang mga dagdag na mga benepisyong pangkalusugan, maraming Pilipino ang namamatay at lumalala ang sakit, na nagpapaguho sa mga pangarap ng pamilya at lalong nagpapalubog sa ating mga kababayan sa kahirapan,” Lee said. “Laban natin itong lahat para makamit ang pangarap at hangarin ng mga Pilipino na maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot. Ibigay na ang kayang ibigay! Bilyon-bilyong pondo para sa kalusugan, gamitin sa kalusugan!” he added.  Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 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 05 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Welcomes Inclusion of Free Eyeglasses in PhilHealth Benefits Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News

Amid P30B Fund Transfer, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Fulfill Healthcare Promises Anew

Amid P30B Fund Transfer, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Fulfill Healthcare Promises Anew As PhilHealth’s P30 billion fund transfers to the National Treasury as part of its P89.9 billion transfer, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee calls on the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to deliver on their commitments to reduce healthcare costs for Filipinos. Lee emphasizes that excess funds should expand PhilHealth’s benefit packages, noting that essential healthcare improvements are long overdue. “Naninindigan tayo na ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay dapat gamitin para sa kalusugan,” Lee stated, urging immediate implementation of agreed enhancements. #HealthcareForAll #PhilHealthCommitments #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #HealthcareFunding 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 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 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 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 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