Maybe they meant that the visa case (not the visa) was sent from NVC to Manila. "Ready" on CEAC does mean that the visa case has been digitally transferred from NVC and is ready for processing by the consulate in Manila. Also, there's no sending the visa to Manila, as it's the consulate in Manila that actually processes the case and generates the visa. Note also that the verbal approval given by the CO just means that your wife passed the interview, not that she is granted the visa. The actual indication of visa approval is when CEAC case status turns to "Issued". That's why the Department of State advises applicants not to make non-refundable flight bookings until after getting the issued visa on hand.
Until CEAC shows "Issued", keep following up with USEM via their website's public inquiry form for IV cases. No need for a lawyer at this point for email follow-ups. They can't rush USEM any more than you can. Your US congressperson or senator may be able to get more information out of USEM, so you could try reaching out to one of them to assist you. If the wait for the visa stretches to around 6 months after interview, consider hiring a lawyer to sue with Writ of Mandamus (WOM). The lawyer must be an immigration lawyer based in the US, as the WOM filing must be in a federal court in the US. Not sure why you think you need a lawyer in Manila. A Philippine lawyer would be of no help to you for US immigration matters.