ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo is seeking the enactment of a measure that would provide rank and file government employees a 10 percent discount on medicines--a big boon given current high cost of basic goods.

The measure is titled, “An act granting rank and file government employees a 10% discount on the sale of medicines”.

“Alam natin ang sitwasyon ng mga maliit na manggagawa ng pamahalaan na hirap din na matustusan ang kanilang mga gamot kapag sila ay nagkakasakit dahil sa mahal ng mga bilihin,” said Tulfo, one of the five authors of the measure.

(We know the situation of rank and file workers in government, they also struggle with paying for their medicine when they get sick due to the high cost of goods.)

“Ang batas na ito ay makakagaan kahit papaano sa kanilang buhay at makababawas sa malaking gastusin tuwing magkakasakit,” the senatorial aspirant added.

(This law will somehow give relief to their lives and lessen some of their burden whenever they get sick.)

Tulfo and his fellow authors said their proposal would only cover the government employees who earn a salary of P30,000 and below. 

In the proposed law, the government employee would only have to present a valid ID and proof of salary to show that they are within the threshold, so they may avail of the 10 percent discount in medicines, for both branded and generic drugs. 

It is also stated in the measure that whoever violates or does not abide by the legislation may face a penalty between P50,000 to P100,000, or a six month to one year imprisonment, depending on the gravity of an offense.  

“Government employees, who often shoulder the responsibility of supporting families, are particularly vulnerable to the financial burden of high medication costs,” read the measure.

“This [Act] will enable them to access essential medications, improve their health outcomes, and enhance their overall quality of life,” it added. 

“The VAT (value-added tax) exemption will further lower the cost of medicines, making them more affordable for a broader segment of the population. This measure aligns with the government's commitment to promoting public health and reducing poverty," it further read.

Tulfo's co-authors are ACT-CIS Party-list Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet lone district Rep. Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd district Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.