BOAC, Marinduque — Bicolano lawmaker Manoy Wilbert ‘Wise’ Lee expressed gratitude and optimism as he reflected on a productive year of championing meaningful reforms aimed at alleviating the burdens of Filipinos, especially those in vulnerable sectors.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo, unang-una sa Panginoon, sa mga biyaya at tagumpay na nakamit natin nitong nagdaang taon, sa pagsusulong ng mga polisiya at batas para mapagaan ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ng mas nangangailangan,” Lee said.
“Sa kabila po ng mga hinaharap nating hamon at darating pang pagsubok, sama-sama nating salubungin ang bagong taon na puno ng pag-asa, tatag ng loob at malasakit sa isa’t isa. Patuloy po sana tayong magtulungan para mabawasan ang pangamba ng bawat Pilipino, kasama ang mga kababayan nating nakikipagsapalaran sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo,” he added.
The Agri Party-list representative also took the time to thank his colleagues in the House of Representatives and his staff saying, “I thank all of you for your support for our shared causes. There may have been hardships, like in any other endeavor, but without your solidarity and compassion, we would not have been able to reach this point.”
As a staunch health advocate, Lee cemented his legacy in fighting for the needed increase in benefits provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
As the lawmaker who first exposed the hundreds of billions of funds of PhilHealth in September 2023, Lee made great strides as he successfully pushed for the 30 percent increase in PhilHealth benefits, implemented last February 14.
Through his persistent efforts, PhilHealth also implemented more benefits enhancements such as free dialysis and the increase in coverage for breast cancer treatment from P100,000 to P1.4 million.
Lee also prevailed in including free eye checkup, free cataract extraction and free prescription glasses and another round of 50 percent increase in PhilHealth benefits, and pushing for expanded benefits on heart ailments, new benefit packages for outpatient emergency care services and kidney transplant.
“Marami na tayong napagtagumpayan ngunit hindi po dito natatapos ang ating paniningil at pangangalampag sa Deparment of Health (DOH) at PhilHealth hanggang maging libre na ang gamot at pagpapagamot. Dahil ang ipinaglalaban ko: Gamot Mo, Sagot Ko!” he stressed.
Agri Party-list, under Lee’s leadership, also doubled down in championing legislative measures to protect the livelihood of farmers, fisher-folk and local food producers, to provide long-term solutions to rising prices of food, and achieve food security.
Among Lee’s principally authored legislations that passed into law this year are Republic Act (RA) No. 11985 or the “Philippine Salt Industry Development Act”, RA 12022 or the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act” and RA 12078 or the “Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 12078)”.
Agri Party-list, likewise, continues to push for the passage of the “Cheaper Rice Act,” “Post-harvest Facilities Act,” Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act” and “Fishing Shelters and Ports Act”.
For 2025, Lee expressed hope for continued strength, optimism and compassion in achieving the Filipino’s dream.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa lumalawak pang suporta ng ating mga kababayan sa ating mga ipinaglalabang dagdag na serbisyo at benepisyo na karapatan at deserve nilang matanggap. Sa patuloy po ninyong tiwala at pakikipagtulungan, marami pa tayong mapagtatagumpayan sa mga susunod na taon,” the solon from Bicol said.
Through his tireless efforts, Lee has cemented his legacy as a leader dedicated to uplifting the lives of Filipinos, guided by hope, strength, and compassion.
“Wishing you a grace-filled and Happy New Year! God bless us all!” he concluded. — Marinduquenews.com
