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 Post Latest Posts 29 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Monitors DOH, PhilHealth Promises for Increased Health Benefits 28 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee to DOH and PhilHealth: “Use Health Funds for People’s Health” 28 Oct 2024 Free Prescription Glasses, Optometric Services Lee Fought For To Benefit Millions Of 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 30 Oct 2024 Amid P30B Fund Transfer, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Fulfill Healthcare Promises Anew 30 Oct 2024 Lee Hails SC TRO On PhilHealth Fund Transfer, Renews Call For Expanded Health Benefits 29 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Monitors DOH, PhilHealth Promises for Increased Health Benefits 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 Post Latest Posts 28 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee to DOH and PhilHealth: “Use Health Funds for People’s Health” 28 Oct 2024 Free Prescription Glasses, Optometric Services Lee Fought For To Benefit Millions Of Filipinos 25 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respects Lawmakers’ Complaint, Stresses Need for Immediate PhilHealth Reforms 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 Post Latest Posts 28 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee to DOH and PhilHealth: “Use Health Funds for People’s Health” 28 Oct 2024 Free Prescription Glasses, Optometric Services Lee Fought For To Benefit Millions Of Filipinos 25 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respects Lawmakers’ Complaint, Stresses Need for Immediate PhilHealth Reforms 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 Post Latest Posts 28 Oct 2024 Free Prescription Glasses, Optometric Services Lee Fought For To Benefit Millions Of Filipinos 25 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respects Lawmakers’ Complaint, Stresses Need for Immediate PhilHealth Reforms 24 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Defends Push for PhilHealth Benefit Expansion Amid Ethics Complaint 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 Post Latest Posts 25 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respects Lawmakers’ Complaint, Stresses Need for Immediate PhilHealth Reforms 24 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Defends Push for PhilHealth Benefit Expansion Amid Ethics Complaint 23 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respect Filing of Ethics Complaint by Lawmakers 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 25 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respects Lawmakers’ Complaint, Stresses Need for Immediate PhilHealth Reforms 24 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Defends Push for PhilHealth Benefit Expansion Amid Ethics Complaint 23 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respect Filing of Ethics Complaint by Lawmakers 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 Post Latest Posts 23 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Respect Filing of Ethics Complaint by Lawmakers 22 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for Livestreaming of PhilHealth Benefits Committee Meeting to Ensure Public Access 21 Oct 2024 Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA To Expedite Implementation Of Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits 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 Benefits Committee Meeting to Ensure Public Access
Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for Livestreaming of PhilHealth Benefits Committee Meeting to Ensure Public Access As part of his push for greater transparency in crafting responsive health benefits, 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. “Karapatan ng mga Pilipino na malaman kung saan napupunta ang pinaghihirapan nilang kontribusyon sa PhilHealth. I-livestream dapat ang meetings ng BenCom” Lee remarked, pushing for action and accountability. #PhilHealthTransparency #WilbertLeeForThePeople #HealthcareReformsNow #PhilHealthAccessForAll Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 22 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for Livestreaming of PhilHealth Benefits Committee Meeting to Ensure Public Access 21 Oct 2024 Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA To Expedite Implementation Of Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits 21 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for PhilHealth Benefits Meeting to Be Livestreamed for Public Transparency Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA To Expedite Implementation Of Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits
Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA To Expedite Implementation Of Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee on Monday called on the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to fast-track the implementation of health benefits for coconut farmers which has been delayed for several years. The said benefits are mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 or the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act enacted in 2021 to ease the plight of coconut farmers through support on their health and livelihood. “Dapat agaran nang maipatupad ang mga benepisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga magniniyog na matagal na dapat naipagkaloob gamit ang pondo para sa kanila. Sila ang pundasyon ng isa sa mga pangunahing industriya sa bansa. Mapapalakas pa lalo ang industriya ng niyog kung pinapangalagaan ang kalusugan at kabuhayan ng mga magniniyog,” Lee said. Citing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ goal for the country to become the world’s top coconut exporter, the Bicolano lawmaker reiterated: “Kung seryoso tayo na maabot ang layuning ito, hindi na dapat patagalin pa ang pagpapatupad ng mga dagdag na mga serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa ating mga magniniyog.” It can be recalled that on March 1, 2024, Lee had a meeting with the leadership of PhilHealth and PCA to discuss the importance of informing the coconut farmers and providing them the health benefits that they deserve saying: “Malaking tulong na alam ng ating mga magniniyog ang mga serbisyo ng PhilHealth para mabawasan ang kanilang pasanin at pangamba sa oras na sila ay magkasakit o magpa-ospital.” On April 4, 2024, the solon from Bicol filed House Resolution (HR) No. 1673 urging the Congress to thoroughly investigate the delayed implementation of the health and medical services for the coconut farmers and their families prescribed by the CFITF Act and Executive Order (EO) No. 172. Lee also filed HR No. 954 on May 9, 2023 upon discovering that only 34% of the total Coco Levy Fund was disbursed for fiscal year 2022 to provide grants and subsidies for the livelihood and welfare of coconut farmers. These measures are results of Lee’s constant collaboration with PhilHealth and PCA in crafting policies to ensure that Filipino coconut farmers will get what they deserve. Further, in May 26, 2024 episode of public service program “Si Manoy ang Ninong Ko,” where PCA Administrator Dexter Respicio Buted served as one of the resource persons, Lee stressed the need to prioritize the implementation of essential services for coconut farmers including livelihood assistance and health benefits, among others. A staunch health advocate, he successfully pushed for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits last February 14, after more than a decade of these not being adjusted or reviewed by the DOH and PhilHealth. 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. He is likewise at the forefront of enhancing PhilHealth benefit packages by including costly diagnostic scans such as PET Scan, CT Scan and MRI, providing free optometric services, and increasing the state health insurer’s benefits by another 50%. Last House budget deliberations, through his persistent efforts, Lee was able to secure commitments from the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth in implementing expanded health services for all Filipinos. “Ang pondo para sa mga magniniyog, dapat gamitin para sa serbisyo at benepisyo para sa mga magniniyog. Matagal na itong ipinagkait sa kanila at malaking kasalanan kung patatagalin pa ito,” Lee said. “Bawasan natin ang kanilang pangamba, ng kanilang pamilya at ng lahat ng Pilipino sa pagkakasakit sa takot na lalong malubog sa utang at kahirapan dahil walang pambili ng gamot o pambayad sa ospital. Huwag na nating pabigatin pa ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan. Gawin na natin!” Lee remarked. Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 21 Oct 2024 Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA To Expedite Implementation Of Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits 21 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for PhilHealth Benefits Meeting to Be Livestreamed for Public Transparency 18 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Urges PhilHealth to Fast-Track Benefit Increases for Critical Treatments Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News