Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go commended President Rodrigo Duterte for signing an executive order (EO) that imposes a maximum retail price (MRP) and/or maximum wholesale price (MWP) on 71 drug formulas, following EO No. 104 earlier signed by the President on February 17, 2020.
The newly signed EO No. 155 provides for price regulation through the imposition of an MRP and MWP on drugs and medicines not under EO No. 104.
The drugs covered include those which address chronic disorders such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, as well as immunosuppressant drugs for Parkinson’s disease, glaucoma, and skin concerns, among others.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa ating mahal na Pangulo sa pag-apruba ng ating rekomendasyon na paigtingin pa lalo ang access ng mga Pilipino sa murang gamot, lalo na ngayong may pandemya,” said Go.
“Patuloy po tayong magtatrabaho para maging mas mabilis, maayos, at maaasahan ang serbisyong pang-medikal sa ating bansa,” he added.
EO 155 also requires every manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler, trader or retailer of the covered drugs or medicines intended for sale to display their retail price.
The MRPs and MWPs will be subject to review by the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Trade and Industry, six months after the effectivity date of the EO and every six months thereafter.
The DOH, in consultation with relevant government agencies, is also tasked to study and propose measures, including, but not limited to pooled procurement, price negotiation, and other mechanisms, which will influence supply, demand, and expenditure on drugs and medicines, in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No. 9502 or the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act.
Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Operations Office will assist the DOH in the dissemination of information on the price regulation.
Any violation of the EO will be dealt with in accordance with RA 9502 and other related laws. The Secretary of Health is directed to investigate alleged violations of the MRP/MWP, impose administrative fines and penalties, and call upon and deputize government entities for assistance, as may be necessary.
In February 2020, Duterte signed EO No. 104 which regulates the MRP and MWP on “select drugs and medicines totaling 87 drug molecules or 133 drug formulas.”
“[Ang] daming nawalan ng trabaho at hanapbuhay. Ngayon pa lang nakakabangon. Kaya malaking bagay ito para sa mga apektadong Pilipino,” said Go. “Napaka-importante ng buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Gagawin natin ang lahat ng ating makakaya para maproteksyunan ito.”
The senator assured the public that he and President Duterte will continue to serve and protect the welfare and interest of Filipinos, especially the most vulnerable sectors of society and the future generations.
“Rest assured kami po ni Pangulong Duterte, kapakanan at interes po ng bawat Pilipino ang uunahin natin dito lalo na at may banta pa ng pandemya,” Go said.
“Gusto naming hindi na maging problema ang pagpapagamot ng mga mahihirap. Gusto naming mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang susunod na henerasyon habang unti-unting bumabangon ang ating bansa,” he added.
To further improve Filipinos’ access to quality healthcare, Go is also pushing for the establishment of “super hospitals” in every region in the country.
“The more we invest sa ating healthcare system, the better. Dapat po ay maging proactive po tayo. Huwag na tayong maging kumpiyansa. Noong nangyari sa atin, nabigla tayo,” the senator said. (Office of SBG) – jlo
