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A House panel has approved on Wednesday, Feb. 28, a measure filed by Speaker Martin Romualdez that aims to boost the development of innovative medicines through the strengthening of clinical trials in the country.

During its hearing, the Committee on Health unanimously approved House Bill (HB) No. 9867, as amended, subject to style.

In his explanatory note in HB No. 9867,  co-author and Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre says the proposed legislation aims to “change, for the better” the landscape of medical innovation in the Philippines.

“It is our responsibility to foster an environment where the discovery of groundbreaking treatment and cures can flourish not merely for the benefit of the people but for the betterment of mankind,” the deputy majority leader said.

“In the midst of a world where health challenges are constantly evolving and new diseases emerge alongside all adversaries that continue to afflict our population, there is no greater task than ensuring the well-being of our citizenry through the advancement of medical science,” he added.

Under the bill, the Experimental Drug Development and Discovery Center shall be created. It will serve as the collaborating hub on all matters involving pharmaceutical research and development in the Philippines.

This proposed office will oversee the creation of regional clinical trial hubs, which will discover and develop medicines and assess its efficacy, among other functions.

Acidre pointed out that the present clinical trial infrastructure in the country face challenges in the form of bureaucratic red tape, lack of funding and adequate facilities, and a shortage of trained clinical researchers.

Alongside funding from the national budget, the proposed center will be allowed to solicit and receive donations—which shall be exempt from taxes, fees, and charges.

Acidre explained that this bill also seeks to create training and development programs and foster public-private partnerships.

He says the clinical trials that will stem from the measure shall ensure utmost prioritization of patient safety and informed consent.

“By passing this bill, we will be setting the stage for a future where diseases once insurmountable can be confronted by the full force of the human genius and our collective action,” he explained.

Apart from Acidre and the House Speaker, Health committee chairman and Batanes lone district Rep. Ciriaco Gato and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez were also authors of HB No. 9867.