Congresswoman Angelica Natasha Co will file an ethics complaint over AGRI Partylist Representative Wilbert Lee for his actions during the September 25 plenary debates.
Tensions began when Lee grabbed another microphone and interrupted Senior Deputy Minority Leader and Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza from moving to terminate the plenary debates on the Department of Health’s (DOH) proposed budget. However, Co noted that the microphone grabbing was the only incident caught by the camera.
She added how Lee’s actions extended to pointing fingers at her and Marikina City Representative Stella Quimbo. Co also recalled how Lee threatened to cause a commotion if he couldn’t talk before the hearing’s termination.
The said incident caused frustration and panic over Co and Quimbo, with the members of the Congress surrounding the two Congresswomen.
Co stated that she is one of the sponsors for the 2025 DOH budget. Lee has not issued an apology, nor has messaged Co after the incident. The former said that Lee made fun of her and Quimbo over what happened, flipping the situation over to his side.
Co is preparing to file an ethics complaint to the House of Representatives Committee on Ethics and Privileges over Lee’s actions.
The incident transpired when Lee disapproved of the final allocations for the DOH budget. His proposal involves improving the benefits of PhilHealth members, like benefit enhancement packages.
Meanwhile, Lee released a statement on Tuesday, stating that he wants to focus on the positive results of the DOH budget and its attached agencies, instead of the microphone scuffle that transpired.
He pushed for reducing the out-of-pocket expenses of the public, stating that it is part of their rights under the Universal Healthcare Law.
