AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee

AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee can't help but feel galvanized by the way netizens have echoed his call to the Department of Health (DOH) to fast-track the implementation of more increases in Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) benefits. 

Lee said this call also covers the inclusion of costly diagnostic tests and scans in the state health insurer’s benefit packages. 

For the neophyte solon, these comments shared by citizens online represent the sentiments of millions of Filipinos who continue to worry about 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," said the congressman from Sorsogon. 

(I thank my countrymen for supporting my fight to soften the burden and worries of each family when it comes to their health.) 

"Asahan nyong patuloy kong isasaboses at ilalaban ang inyong hinaing tulad ng napagtagumpayan na nating 30% increase sa PhilHealth benefits,” Lee said. 

(You can count on me to continue giving voice and fighting in your behalf, like the 30 percent increase in PhilHealth benefits that we've already achieved.) 

“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!" he added. 

(Use PhilHealth's billions worth of funds to achieve free healthcare for all. This shouldn't be delayed! The lives and livelihood of Filipinos are at stake!) 

It can be recalled that Lee, a staunch health advocate, successfully led the 30 percent increase in PhilHealth benefits, which was implemented last Feb. 14. 

Currently, he is lobbying for another round of 30 percent increase and, if funds would suffice, an eventual decrease in members’ monthly contribution.