CONGRESSMAN Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee welcomed the outpouring of support from individuals, personalities, groups and netizens in demanding the Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track the implementation of more increases in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits and the inclusion of costly diagnostic tests and scans in the state health insurer’s benefit packages.
During the DOH budget hearing on September 4, Lee slammed the agency over the slow pacing of increasing PhilHealth benefits and pointed out that the health agency, which chairs the Benefits Committee (BenCom) of PhilHealth, is mandated to ensure that healthcare services will truly cater to Filipinos.
The Bicolano lawmaker also warned the agency that he will move to defer their budget if it remains unaddressed in the upcoming House plenary debates for the 2025 National Budget.
During the said hearing, Lee presented a sample hospital bill of a patient who underwent Radio Frequency Ablation with 3D-mapping which amounted to more than P470,000, yet only less than 5% or about P24,000 was covered by PhilHealth.
Filipinos relate much to this issue which prompted numerous comments on social media.
“Ako nga P750K yung bill ko sinagot lang ng PhilHealth eh P60K lang…eh tapos laging taas ng taas sa premiums sila…sana makonsensya naman kayo,” a netizen wrote.
Echoing the sentiment, one commenter shared: “P129K bill sa hospital, stroke at seizure sakit ng pasyente. P28K lang ang kaltas ng PhilHeallth. Mas malaki pa ang kaltas ng senior discount.”
“Same sa sis in law ko, P1.5M bill pero P54K lang bawas, mas malaki pa bawas ng PWD,” another online account added.
Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon, a health reform advocate and former DOH special adviser for non-communicable diseases, also expressed his support to Lee as he posted on his social media account some highlights of the solon’s interpellation questions during the budget hearing.
“There are only few brave lawmakers who stand firm for the health of our people. Salute to Cong. Lee,” Leachon posted on his X account (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, some social media users praised Lee for using his platform as a legislator to confront health officials about the complaints and challenges faced by Filipinos.
“I salute you for being so brave to fight for what is right, Sir Wilbert. I hope this department will visit the public hospital to check physically what’s really happening inside,” a netizen posted.
For Lee, these comments shared by citizens online represent millions of Filipinos who continue to suffer from their worry of falling ill due to the fear of plummeting into poverty.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa suporta ng ating mga kababayan sa ating ipinaglalaban para maibsan ang pasanin at pangamba ng bawat pamilya ukol sa kanilang kalusugan. Asahan nyong patuloy kong isasaboses at ilalaban ang inyong hinaing tulad ng napagtagumpayan na nating 30% increase sa PhilHealth benefits,” the solon from Bicol said.
“Gamitin ang bilyon-bilyong pondo ng PhilHealth para sa dagdag pang mga benepisyo hanggang maabot ang libreng pagpapagamot para sa lahat. Huwag dapat itong patagalin! Buhay at kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino ang nakataya dito! Laban natin ito! Gawin na natin!” he added.
It can be recalled that Lee, a staunch health advocate, successfully led the 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits which was implemented last February 14. Currently, he is lobbying for another round of 30% increase and if funds would suffice, an eventual decrease in members’ monthly contribution.
