A Filipino family in the UAE is calling for urgent assistance after their father suffered a severe stroke that required brain surgery, leaving them with an overwhelming hospital bill and no means to afford the necessary rehabilitation.
According to his son, Mark Jose Manongsong, 63-year-old Joselito Estrecho Manongsong was rushed to the hospital on July 10, 2025, after experiencing numbness in his right arm and leg. Doctors found brain compression, prompting emergency surgery. He was placed in intensive care before being transferred to a high-dependency unit and later moved to a ward.
By August 6, Joselito was discharged and advised to continue treatment in a rehabilitation center. However, the quoted monthly cost was AED 60,000 — far beyond the family’s capacity, especially with an existing hospital bill exceeding AED 153,000.
The family’s ordeal traces back to Joselito’s employment history. He worked in the UAE from 2007 to 2021 as an industrial machine sales technician. After resigning in December 2021, he filed a case against his former employer for unpaid end-of-service benefits. The Dubai court ruled in his favor, but nearly three years later, he has yet to receive the payment, estimated between AED 128,000 and AED 135,000.
The prolonged legal battle took a toll on his health and finances. Last year, Joselito had planned to return to the Philippines but discovered he had a travel ban due to an unpaid credit card debt of AED 11,000 — a debt his family says could have been cleared if his end-of-service benefits had been released.
Currently, Joselito and his son are staying in Abu Dhabi with a relative, relying on borrowed medical equipment for his recovery. “If only his dues were paid on time, we wouldn’t be in this situation,” Mark said, appealing to the public and organizations for any form of support.
Those willing to help may reach Mark at +971 50 314 2881 or via email at markjosemanongsong@gmail.com.
