MANILA – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was tasked by President Rodrigo Duterte to take action against illegal trading or distribution of Ivermectin as a treatment for coronavirus disease 2019. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque issued the directive on Wednesday, saying the FDA was the logical one to lead the operation since police “cannot arbitrarily determine on their own which drug/s should not be on the market.”
This is to ensure the safety and welfare of the public and avoid any conflict between the FDA and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The PNP was ordered to coordinate with FDA regarding the apprehension of the drug’s illegal distribution and use.
The sale and trade of the anti-parasitic drug repacked as human-grade including those which was not labeled as safe by the authorities should be halted, Roque urged.
Just like everyone, Duterte also monitors the developments concerning Ivermectin. He even directed the Presidential Management Staff to give him weekly updates on Ivermectin studies and FDA-related clearance.
So far, only two unnamed hospitals in the country have been granted with the compassionate use permit to use Ivermectin against the virus./PN
