Sen. Raffy Tulfo criticized the Food and Drug Administration for failing to take concrete action against the widespread sale of illegal, counterfeit, and unregistered health products online and in physical stores.
He cited test purchases by his team that showed prescription medicines, unregistered Tirzepatide products, slimming pills with amphetamines, and counterfeit brands such as Biogesic, Decolgen Forte, and Neozep were easily accessible.
Tulfo also accused the FDA of favoring multinational pharmaceutical companies by delaying renewal applications of small and local firms, an allegation denied by FDA Director General Paolo Teston.
Lawmakers raised concerns over weak penalties and limited convictions under existing laws, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and accountability.
Senate health committee chair Risa Hontiveros said the panel will investigate complaints against the FDA and pushed for tighter regulation, while urging online platforms to take down fake and dangerous health products.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 28, 2026
