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
Zero Gov’t Subsidy For PhilHealth Injustice To Filipinos, Fast-Track Health Benefit Increases – Lee
Zero Gov’t Subsidy For PhilHealth Injustice To Filipinos, Fast-Track Health Benefit Increases – Lee “Kung may malinaw na plano at nagagamit agad ang pondo para sa dagdag-benepisyo, hindi sana zero ang subsidy.” This was the statement of Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee as he slammed the Department of Health (DOH) over the recent removal of government subsidy for Philippine Health Insurance (PhilHealth) in the 2025 National Budget. “Ang sinasabing dahilan ng zero subsidy ay dahil marami pang pondo ang PhilHealth. Pero para sa atin, hindi ito ‘excess funds’ kundi ‘unused funds’–pondo ito na dapat napakinabangan na ng mga Pilipino. Yung subsidy na ipinagkait para sa susunod na taon, ay mailalaan pa sana sa mga serbisyo para sa mas nangangailangan nating mga kababayan,” Lee said during the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability on Tuesday. “Nung nakaraang taon pa natin inexpose na nasa mahigit 500 billion pesos o kalahating trilyon ang nakatengga sa bangko ng PhilHealth, na dapat gamitin ito agad sa pagpapalawak ng benepisyo. Pero anong nangyari? Napakakupad ng implementasyon. Ano ba talagang rason ng delay?” “Di ko matanggap na wala tayong paraan para bilisan ito. Kailangan ba araw-araw kayo magmeeting para magawa ito? A little more patience? Anong kapalit, more patients dying? Kung lagi na lang magtitiis sa napakabagal na dagdag na benepisyo, baka lagi nang ma-zero ang subsidy ng PhilHealth,” the solon from Bicol added. Citing the commitments he sealed with DOH and PhilHealth during the House Budget Deliberations last September 25, Lee underscored the urgent need to use the available funds of PhilHealth to provide quality health services for Filipinos, especially the vulnerable sectors. “Sa bilyon-bilyong halaga na meron ang PhilHealth at sa dapat na naipagkaloob na subsidy, marami nating mga kababayan ang pwedeng masagot na ang PET scan, CT scan, MRI, at mababawasan ang gastos sa pagpapa-ospital, lalo na sa pagpapagamot ng mga mabibigat na karamdaman,” the lawmaker said. “Oktubre pa natin hiningi sa DOH, sa kasunduan na pinirmahan mismo ni Sec. Ted Herbosa, na pinresenta natin sa Kongreso, ang komprehensibong plano para sa pagpapababa ng gastos ng Pilipino sa pagpapa-ospital. Pero wala man lang siyang paramdam sa atin. Kung may kongkreto sanang plano kung saan gagamitin ang pondo, mas maipaglalaban pa natin ang subsidiya para sa PhilHealth.” “Nasaan ang hustisya kung sa pagka-manhid at kapalpakan ng ilang namumuno, milyon-milyong Pilipino ang magdurusa at mapagkakaitan ng dagdag na benepisyong pangkalusugan? Kaya ang panawagan natin, magbitiw na si Sec. Herbosa kung siya rin lang naman ang nagpapabagal sa pagpapatupad ng mga benepisyong karapatan at deserve ng ating mga kababayan,” Lee earlier stated. Through Lee’s secured commitments, PhilHealth Board recently approved the following: – Free eye checkup and free eyeglasses, including free operation for cataract– Expanded PhilHealth coverage for heart procedures– Expanded emergency care benefit package– 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits on some case rates A staunch health advocate, the Bicolano lawmaker is also instrumental in the 30% increase of PhilHealth benefits implemented last February 2024. PhilHealth’s benefit package for hemodialysis was also expanded from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as the breast cancer treatment coverage which increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. “Sa kabila ng mga dagdag benepisyong ito, kulang na kulang pa ito. Hindi pwedeng tingi-tingi pa rin ang serbisyo lalo na sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Pwede ba natin sabihin sa mga kababayan natin na ‘wag muna silang magkasakit, na ‘wag muna silang magpa-opera kasi hinihintay pang madagdagan ‘yung sasagutin ng PhilHealth?” Lee asked.“Marami ang pinipili na lang maratay sa bahay sa kabila ng karamdaman, sa takot na malubog lalo sa utang at kahirapan at maging pabigat pa sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay. Kung magpapatuloy ang zero subsidy dahil sa kawalan o mabagal na benefit enhancement at malaking investible funds ng PhilHealth, di maibibigay sa mga Pilipino ang nararapat na kalinga. Without a clear and actionable plan and clear coordination between the DOH and PhilHealth, we are simply perpetuating a broken system that will prolong the suffering of our countrymen.” “Ang layunin natin: ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, sagot na ng gobyerno. Wag tayong gumawa ng mga polisiya na paurong, kundi palapit sa katuparan ng mga nararapat na serbisyo para sa mga Pilipino,” he concluded. Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 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 16 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Investigation into ₱11-B Expired Medicines and Vaccines Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation
Lee Blasts DOH for Wasted Medicines, Calls for Secretary’s Resignation Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has demanded accountability from the Department of Health (DOH) over ₱11.18 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines, describing the waste as an unforgivable lapse in governance. In filing House Resolution No. 2117, Lee also reiterated his call for DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa’s resignation, citing persistent inefficiencies and unfulfilled commitments. “This isn’t just a case of expired supplies; this is a failure to serve the Filipino people. While public hospitals run out of medicine, billions of pesos worth of health resources go to waste. Someone must answer for this,” Lee said. The COA report attributed the wastage to inadequate procurement planning and poor logistical management. Lee demanded a congressional inquiry to identify the root causes and prevent such negligence from happening again. He also called for reforms to ensure timely and effective distribution of public health resources. Lee criticized the DOH for failing to submit a comprehensive report on the availability of medicines and vaccines in public hospitals, a commitment made during the 2025 budget deliberations. “How can we improve healthcare if the department in charge cannot even fulfill basic responsibilities?” he questioned. The Bicolano lawmaker urged swift action to rebuild trust in the healthcare system, emphasizing that leadership changes may be necessary. “The Filipino people deserve a healthcare system led by capable and compassionate leaders,” he concluded. #HealthcareAccountability #StopTheWaste #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 12 Dec 2024 Lee Questions Zero Gov't Subsidy For PhilHealth In 2025 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities 08 Dec 2024 Lee Urges Immediate Release Of Gov't Health Workers’ Long-Delayed Performance Based Bonuses Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Demands Investigation into ₱11-B Expired Medicines and Vaccines
Lee Demands Investigation into ₱11-B Expired Medicines and Vaccines Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called for an urgent investigation into the alarming ₱11 billion worth of expired medicines and vaccines found in Department of Health (DOH) warehouses and health facilities, as flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA). Lee filed House Resolution No. 2117 to hold those responsible accountable and address systemic issues in the DOH’s procurement and logistics. “The expiration of these medicines and vaccines is not just wasteful but a betrayal of public trust,” Lee said. “Millions of Filipinos struggle to buy medicines, yet billions of pesos worth of essential health supplies are left to expire unused. This is a gross dereliction of duty.” The COA report revealed that over 7 million COVID-19 vaccine vials, along with other medical supplies, expired due to poor procurement planning and distribution systems. An additional ₱65.44 million worth of medicines with short shelf lives are also nearing wastage. Lee described these lapses as “clear dereliction of duty and a violation of their mandate” and emphasized the need for Congress to ensure public health resources are efficiently utilized. The solon also called for a comprehensive DOH report detailing the status of expired supplies and the measures taken to address the issue. “This must not be swept under the rug. Accountability is non-negotiable,” Lee stressed. #AccountabilityNow #HealthcareForAll #WiseLeadership Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 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 10 Dec 2024 Lee Seeks Probe Of P11-B Expired Medicines, Vaccines In DOH Warehouses, Health Facilities Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee to DOH, PhilHealth: Prioritize Healthcare Payments of Indigent Patients, Simplify Processes
Lee to DOH, PhilHealth: Prioritize Healthcare Payments of Indigent Patients, Simplify Processes Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has urged the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to take decisive action to address the unpaid hospital bills of indigent patients and streamline claim requirements to remove barriers to healthcare access. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2104, highlighting how unpaid bills and bureaucratic delays deprive millions of Filipinos of life-saving medical care. “Hospitals are owed payments, and patients are left to suffer. This is unacceptable under the Universal Health Care Act,” Lee asserted. The solon also stressed that complex requirements disproportionately affect indigent patients, who often lack the resources to navigate administrative processes. “Simplify the system and make it work for the people who need it most. Tulungan natin sila, imbes na pahirapan,” he said. Lee continues to champion reforms to expand health services, including free diagnostic tests and cancer treatment coverage. He remains steadfast in his vision: “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno. Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” #HealthcareReforms #UniversalHealthCare #WiseAdvocacy Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 06 Dec 2024 Lee to DOH, PhilHealth: Prioritize Healthcare Payments of Indigent Patients, Simplify Processes 05 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients 04 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Pay Indigent Patients’ Unpaid Hospital Bills Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients
Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has filed House Resolution No. 2104, urging the Department of Health (DOH) and PhilHealth to simplify and liberalize their requirements for hospital claims. He emphasized that current administrative hurdles delay payments to hospitals, denying indigent patients the medical care they need. Lee noted that the Universal Health Care Act, enacted in 2019, mandates accessible and comprehensive health services for all. However, its implementation remains inadequate. “Patients already dealing with illness shouldn’t have to face the added burden of navigating a complicated system to access care,” he remarked. The Bicolano lawmaker also highlighted his success in increasing PhilHealth benefits earlier this year, such as raising hemodialysis coverage from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and expanding breast cancer treatment coverage to P1.4 million. “We’ve made progress, but there’s much more to do. Simplifying these processes is the next critical step,” Lee said. Lee called on DOH and PhilHealth to ensure prompt payments to hospitals, emphasizing the importance of removing barriers to healthcare access. “Let’s make healthcare truly universal,” he concluded. #HealthcareAccess #GamotMoSagotKo #WiseMoves Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 05 Dec 2024 Lee Calls for Streamlined PhilHealth Requirements to Aid Indigent Patients 04 Dec 2024 Lee Urges DOH and PhilHealth to Pay Indigent Patients’ Unpaid Hospital Bills 03 Dec 2024 Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims
Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee called on the Department of Health (DOH) and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to pay for the unpaid bills of indigent and financially incapacitated patients in private and public hospitals which often result in delayed treatment and denial of care. In filing House Resolution No. 2104, Lee stressed the importance of the effective implementation of Republic Act No. 11223 or the “Universal Health Care Act” which mandates the said agencies to enforce comprehensive health services for all Filipinos. “The UHC Act, signed into law in 2019, guarantees that all Filipinos will have access to comprehensive health services, including outpatient services and specialty care. Several years have passed since this was enacted but Filipinos, especially the indigents, remain burdened with lack of hospital care,” Lee lamented. The Bicolano lawmaker underscored that DOH and PhilHealth need to address the tedious administrative and documentation requirement for claims which remains to be a major obstacle for hospitals and patients, especially for indigent individuals who may not have the necessary means, knowledge, or support to navigate complex processes promptly. “Simplify, streamline, and liberalize the requirements for hospitals and patients. Pagaanin natin ang pasanin ng mga pasyente at kanilang pamilya na nag-aalala na nga sa sakit ay problemado pa sa gastusin sa gamot at pagpapagamot,” Lee said. “Tulungan natin sila, imbes na pahirapan!” he added. A staunch health advocate, Lee is the driving force to increase PhilHealth benefits by 30% which was implemented last February 14. PhilHealth’s benefit package for hemodialysis was also expanded from P2,600 to P6,350 per session and from 90 sessions per year to 156 sessions annually, as well as for the breast cancer treatment coverage which increased from P100,000 to P1.4 million. Currently, Lee persistently pushes for other commitments he sealed from DOH and PhilHealth in expanding health services such as free eye checkup, free eyeglasses and another 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits, free diagnostic tests such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan, Computed Tomography (CT) scan and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as part of outpatient services and at least 80% coverage for cancer treatments and heart procedures. “Tanggalin kung ano ang mga balakid sa pagpapabilis ng pagbabayad ng DOH at PhilHealth sa mga ospital para mapabilis ang pagkakaloob ng mga benepisyo. Habang di nababayaran ang mga ospital, milyon-milyong nating mga kababayan ang maaaring napagkakaitan ng mga serbisyong pangkalusugan,” Lee stressed. “Ang gobyerno, hindi dapat pabigat sa taumbayan. Wala na dapat mga Pilipino ang magmamakaawa sa mga ahensya o nasa katungkulan kapag may kailangan, yung halos lumuhod pa para matulungan sa pagbili ng gamot at pagpapagamot.” “Ang gamot at pagpapagamot, dapat libre na, dapat sagot na ng gobyerno. Ang ipinaglalaban natin: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he added. Healthcare Policy Previous Post Latest Posts 03 Dec 2024 Lee To DOH, PhilHealth: Cover Unpaid Hospital Bills Of Indigent Patients, Streamline Requirements For Claims 01 Dec 2024 Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures 30 Nov 2024 Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures
Lee Demands Accountability from DOH Over Healthcare Failures Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has demanded the resignation of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing unfulfilled promises that jeopardize the health of millions of Filipinos. Through House Resolution No. 2090, Lee outlined the Department of Health’s failure, under the leadership of Herbosa, including missing deadlines for critical reforms such as increasing PhilHealth benefits and submitting plans to lower healthcare costs. “The DOH and Secretary Herbosa’s failure to deliver these commitments is a betrayal of trust—not just to Congress, but to the Filipino people who deserve better healthcare,” Lee said. He also highlighted how the delays contradict Herbosa’s signed commitments, made during budget deliberations, to improve access to medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic services. Lee has been instrumental in securing significant healthcare wins, including a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits implemented earlier this year. However, he warned that continued delays in implementing further reforms will only harm Filipinos. “Every day these promises are delayed, more lives are put at risk,” he said. The solon urged the government to prioritize healthcare and find leadership that can fulfill its promises. “Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. It’s time for decisive action and accountability,” Lee concluded. #HealthcareForFilipinos #WiseLeadership #GamotMoSagotKo Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 28 Nov 2024 Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 26 Nov 2024 National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News
Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments
Lee Slams DOH Chief for Failing to Deliver Healthcare Commitments Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has reiterated his call for the resignation of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa over his failure to fulfill healthcare promises. These commitments, signed by Herbosa and PhilHealth CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr., were meant to improve the country’s healthcare system but have faced significant delays. The unfulfilled promises include free diagnostic tests like PET, CT, and MRI scans, 80% coverage for cancer treatments and increase of PhilHealth benefits by 50%. Herbosa also failed to submit a plan to reduce medical costs, which was due last month, and implement the 50% increase in PhilHealth benefits. Lee expressed frustration with Herbosa’s lack of professionalism, stating, “If the DOH cannot even respond to Congress, how can they effectively lead the country’s healthcare system?” The solon warned, highlighting that millions of Filipinos are being let down by these delays, which worsen their health and financial struggles. As a staunch advocate for Universal Health Care in the country, Lee emphasized the need for leadership that delivers results. “If Secretary Herbosa cannot fulfill his duties, it’s time to find someone who can,” he said. #HealthcareAccountability #UniversalHealthCare #WiseMoves Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 28 Nov 2024 Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 26 Nov 2024 National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News STRICTER IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS NEEDED TO BOOST ACCESS TO CHEAPER MEDICINES – LEE
Lee Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises
Lee Calls for Health Secretary’s Resignation Over Unfulfilled Promises Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee has called for the resignation of Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa, citing his failure to deliver on crucial healthcare commitments. Lee filed House Resolution No. 2090, formally demanding accountability for Herbosa’s unfulfilled promises made during the House deliberations on the 2025 DOH budget. Among the lapses noted was the failure to submit a comprehensive plan to lower out-of-pocket medical expenses, which was due last October 31, 2024. Herbosa also missed the implementation of a 50% across-the-board PhilHealth benefits increase, expected to take effect this November. Lee accused the DOH of undermining Congress and the Filipino people by failing to respond to follow-up letters regarding these commitments. “Sec. Herbosa has misled millions of Filipinos with empty promises. If he cannot fulfill these commitments, he must step down,” Lee declared. He also criticized the DOH for violating the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) policy on timely responses to government transactions. Lee vowed to continue pushing for leadership that prioritizes healthcare reforms, saying, “The health and well-being of Filipinos must not suffer due to ineffective leadership.” #HealthReforms #AccountabilityNow #WiseLeadership Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Previous Post Latest Posts 28 Nov 2024 Lee Champions Medicine Bank to Address Public Hospital Shortages 27 Nov 2024 DOH Chief Must Resign Due To Undelivered Commitments – Lee 26 Nov 2024 National Medicine Bank: Lee’s Vision for Better Healthcare Access Categories Healthcare Policy Public Health Initiatives Healthcare Ethics and Legal Issues Healthcare Access and Equity Spread the News