Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Expanded PhilHealth Benefits Amid Supreme Court TRO
Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Expanded PhilHealth Benefits Amid Supreme Court TRO Following a Supreme Court decision to halt PhilHealth’s fund transfers, Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee is pushing for immediate improvements in PhilHealth’s services. Lee has argued that the agency’s funds should remain focused on expanding health benefits for Filipinos rather than diverted to non-health projects. “Naninindigan po tayo na ang pondo para sa kalusugan ay hindi dapat gamitin sa mga programang hindi kasinghalaga ng kalusugan ng mga Pilipino,” he stated. The Department of Finance’s recent order resulted in P60 billion being moved from PhilHealth to the Treasury earlier this year, triggering widespread concern. Lee argues that the excess funds from PhilHealth could be better used to enhance the agency’s services, reduce membership contributions for lower-income earners, or provide immediate healthcare benefits. His advocacy is based on a core principle: health funds should serve health needs first. Lee suggested that if the government truly requires funds, they should seek them from other GOCCs that have surplus funds and are not tasked with delivering essential social services. “Imbes na sa PhilHealth bumawas ng pondo, kunin na lang sa iba pang GOCCs na may excess funds,” he said, noting that healthcare must be the priority. His commitment includes ensuring that PhilHealth benefits are strengthened and expanded as soon as possible. These funds, he argued, could jumpstart several health reforms Lee secured in recent legislative debates. By December 2024, he envisions expanded access to diagnostics, cancer treatments, and other critical services. His goal is clear: use PhilHealth’s resources to support Filipinos facing serious health challenges rather than meet broader fiscal needs. #HealthFirst #PhilHealthFunds #WiseLeadership #HealthAdvocate #CongressionalWatch Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 09 Nov 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Expanded PhilHealth Benefits Amid Supreme Court TRO 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 Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Supreme Court Welcomes SC Decision to Stop PhilHealth Fund Transfer
Supreme Court Welcomes SC Decision to Stop PhilHealth Fund Transfer Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee is elated over the Supreme Court’s recent issuance of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), halting the transfer of PhilHealth’s excess funds to the National Treasury. Lee has passionately opposed the said transfer, advocating for PhilHealth funds to be strictly utilized for healthcare, reinforcing his call that “Ang pondo para sa kalusugan, gamitin para sa kalusugan!” (“Funds for health should be used for health!”). The TRO immediately blocked the intended transfer of P29.9 billion to the Treasury this November. This comes after the Department of Finance (DOF) transferred an initial P60 billion earlier this year under its Circular No. 003-2024 ordering the transfer of P89.9 billion excess funds. According to Lee, these billions could be directed to urgently needed health services for Filipinos instead of being channeled elsewhere. “Natutuwa po tayo sa desisyon na ito ng Korte Suprema na pagpapahinto sa paglipat ng pondo ng PhilHealth,” Lee stated, underscoring his relief at the ruling. He emphasized that PhilHealth’s surplus funds should be directed toward immediate healthcare improvements, particularly for underserved communities. Lee’s vocal stance on the issue began last year when he exposed the surplus, demanding that PhilHealth funds be used to improve essential health benefits rather than redirected for non-health purposes. Currently, Lee is providing relief efforts to communities in Bicol and other areas devastated by severe tropical storm Kristine, demonstrating his commitment to supporting Filipinos on multiple fronts. His efforts to protect PhilHealth funds reflect a broader mission to enhance healthcare access, reduce financial strain on Filipino families, and ensure government resources prioritize public health. #WiseHealth #HealthFunds #PhilHealth #TRO #HealthIsWealth Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 08 Nov 2024 Supreme Court Welcomes SC Decision to Stop PhilHealth Fund Transfer 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