Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday said he expects more Filipinos to have access to affordable medicines now that President Duterte has signed an executive order adding more medicines and drugs that would be subject to a price cap.

Duterte had earlier signed Executive Order No. 155 which provides for price regulation through the imposition of maximum retail price or MRP and maximum wholesale price (MWP) on the remaining drugs and medicines under EO No. 104.

“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 (We are thankful to the President for approving our recommendation to strengthen Filipino’s access to cheaper medicines especially during this time of a pandemic,” said Go, who chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography.

“Patuloy po tayong magtatrabaho para maging mas mabilis, maayos at maaasahan ang serbisyong pang-medikal sa ating bansa (We will continue to work to ensure faster, safer and efficient medical service in our country),” he added.

The drugs covered by the EO 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.

The EO also requires every manufacturer, importer, distributor, wholesaler, trader or retailer of the covered drugs or medicines intended for sale to display the retail price.

It could be recalled that 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. EO 155 would be imposed on 34 drug molecules and 71 drug formulas.

“Daming nawalan ng trabaho at hanapbuhay. Ngayon pa lang nakakabangon. Kaya malaking bagay ito para sa mga apektadong Pilipino (Because a lot of people have lost their jobs and livelihood and are just about to recover from their losses. That’s why this executive order will hugely benefit many affected Filipinos),” said Go.