Senator Raffy Tulfo called out the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for failing to stop the widespread sale of illegal, counterfeit, and unregistered health products online and in physical stores.
At a Senate health hearing, Tulfo told FDA chief Paolo Teston that issuing advisories is not enough, stressing that online platforms make dangerous products “one click away.”
He cited test-buys by his staff showing prescription drugs like clobetasol propionate and co-amoxiclav being sold on Shopee without prescriptions, and the rampant online sale of Tirzepatide, despite only Mounjaro being FDA-approved in the Philippines.
The senator also flagged continued sales of Hokkaido Slimming Pills containing amphetamine, despite an FDA advisory issued in 2013, and counterfeit medicines such as Biogesic, Decolgen Forte, and Neozep sold in stores, sometimes at higher prices but posing serious health risks.
“In public health, advisories are not enough. Action is the real measure of credibility,” said Tulfo, as he presented samples of fake and unregistered products during the hearing.IMT
