Some lawmakers were taken by surprise after Agri Partylist Rep. Wilbert Lee suddenly grabbed the microphone from Northern Samar First District Congressman Paul Daza and called on Deputy Speaker and Cebu 5th District Representative Duke Frasco.

This prompted Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo Representative Janette Garin to immediately join the motion for the termination of the period of interpellation for the DOH budget.

"We join the minority in their motion to terminate the period of interpellation and debate… so move, Mr. Speaker,” Garin said very quickly.

“Ganyan na ba ang nangyayari dito sa atin?" Lee was heard saying, even as Frasco talked over him while Garin requested a ruling on the motion.

“With the joint motion to terminate the interpellation to the proposed budget of the Department of Health, is there any objection? The chair hears none. The interpellations on the proposed budget of the Department of Health is hereby terminated. Session suspended," Frasco said, despite Lee's objections.

Lee, who had questioned PhilHealth’s alleged failure to increase coverage for medical procedures such as chemotherapy and other medical tests, was about to question the quorum before he was cut off. He reportedly still wanted to raise questions, but his colleagues in the House did not allow him to continue.

BHW Party-list Representative Angelica Natasha Co, one of the co-sponsors of the DOH budget, Marikina Representative Stella Quimbo, and other lawmakers were also seen hugging each other before the deliberation was temporarily suspended - a sign that the DOH budget got the nod of the chamber.

In his explanation of his Yes vote for the approval of the 2025 budget, Lee clarified that he simply wanted to express his gratitude to House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“Hindi ko po maintindihan kanina, Mr.Speaker, kung bakit hindi ako pinagsalita ng ating sponsor sa budget ng Department of Health ngayong ito lamang po ang gusto nating ipaabot. Nagpapasalamat po tayo muli sa ating House Speaker. Mayroon po tayong kasabihan, he who has help has hope and he who has hope has everything,” Lee said.

With 285 members of the House voting yes and 3 voting no, the House of Representatives has approved the ₱6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 on its third and final reading.

House approves 2025 Budget