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 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