Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee expressed his joy at AGRI Party-list ranking sixth in the Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by OCTA Research from June 26 to July 1, 2024. The independent and non-partisan poll, which surveyed 1,200 respondents, indicated that if the May 2025 elections had been held during the survey period, approximately 2.60% of likely voters would have chosen AGRI Party-list, potentially securing two Congressional seats.
Lee conveyed his gratitude for the support and trust of their constituents, stating, “We are deeply thankful for the support and confidence our fellow Filipinos have shown to AGRI Party-list. This is a testament to the fruits of our sincere and diligent efforts to fulfill the mandate given to us by the people.”
He further noted, “This serves as both inspiration and challenge for everyone in AGRI Party-list across the country to improve our work and service to the Filipino people.”
Since its establishment in 2005, AGRI Party-list has been dedicated to advocating for the rights and welfare of farmers and fisherfolk, and the advancement of agriculture and marginalized sectors.
In the 19th Congress, under Lee’s leadership, AGRI Party-list was instrumental in authoring Republic Act (RA) No. 11953, the “New Agrarian Emancipation Act,” which relieves 610,054 Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) from debt, including interest, penalties, and surcharges. Lee also championed the passage of RA 11985, the “Philippine Salt Industry Development Act,” which aims to revitalize the country’s salt industry, generating thousands of jobs, especially in rural areas.
Currently, AGRI is advocating for House Bill (HB) No. 9020, the “Cheaper Rice Act,” which would require the government to purchase local palay with an additional P5-P10 per kilo over the prevailing farmgate price. This initiative is intended to increase local farmers’ income and enhance rice supply and affordability in the market.
Additionally, through House Bill No. 3957, AGRI is pushing for the creation of Kadiwa centers nationwide to improve market linkages for local producers. House Bill No. 3958 aims to provide greater support for post-harvest facilities.
AGRI is also seeking more funds for the digitization of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) to enhance the distribution of government aid to farmers and fisherfolk.
Lee emphasized the importance of updating the RSBSA list for efficient aid distribution and the need for a dedicated annual budget for Kadiwa centers and post-harvest facilities to ensure continuous support for the nation’s food security soldiers, from planting and harvesting to market sales.
In a bid to improve health information dissemination, AGRI Party-list recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). Lee had previously successfully advocated for a 30% increase in PhilHealth benefits, which PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. credited as the catalyst for the benefit hike implemented last February 14.
AGRI continues to push for the institutionalization of “No Balance Billing,” full coverage for dialysis, cancer treatment, heart bypass surgery, and other major hospital operations, as well as the inclusion of MRI, PET, CT scans, and other diagnostic tests in urgent care packages from PhilHealth, ensuring these services are available beyond inpatient care.
Lee concluded, “AGRI will persist in promoting policies and programs to alleviate the burdens of our countrymen. Our belief is that Filipinos deserve better, so we should demand better services for them.”
He added, “With the continued support of our fellow Filipinos, we can achieve much more. Your trust in me and AGRI Party-list is a commitment to our goal of ‘Affordable food, let’s make it happen. Guaranteed jobs, let’s make it happen. Fair and quality health services, let’s make it happen!’”
Other party-lists that also ranked in the Top 10 of OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa survey include ACT-CIS, 4Ps, Senior Citizens, Tingog, Abang Lingkod, Angat Pinoy, ACT Teachers, 1-Rider, and Uswag Ilonggo.
