Press Release - Manifestation of Senator Bong Go on the referral of the Bell-Kenz Pharma probe to the Blue Ribbon Committee

Mr. President, just a manifestation.

We respect the decision of the body. Ang importante dito, we get to the bottom of this matter. We need to search for the truth and, at the same time, be fair to everybody.

That is why, Mr. President, it is crucial to continue this investigation and get to the bottom of this. Whether primary or secondary, whether it is the Committee on Health or the Blue Ribbon Committee or any other related committee, ang importante malaman natin ang totoo.

It is the State's mandate to ensure the integrity of our entire public health system and to assure our people that those given the privilege to exercise their medical profession remain faithful and true to our laws and their ethical standards.

During last week's hearing of the Committee on Health, we also called upon the Department of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Professional Regulation Commission, the...Securities and Exchange Commission and Philippine Competition Commission to investigate this scheme. We are pleased to know that, according to Secretary Herbosa, a joint investigation is underway.

Mr. President, we have to protect the medical profession. Ako mismo, ang anak ko gusto mag-doctor. Ayaw nating ma-corrupt ang mga anak natin ng ganitong sistema. This scheme involving "rebates" or "incentives", I fear, may have the tendency to corrupt the ethical principles of the medical profession.

Again, Mr. President, kapag incentives o rebates na ang gagawing prayoridad, hindi malayong ma-kompromiso ang welfare ng pasyente. Magiging negosyo o kita na ang usapan. Kaya nga kayo naging doktor para gamutin ang pasyente, kung ano ang makakabuti para sa mga pasyente. Mr. President, minsan, hindi na po nabibigyan ng priority yung pagpapagamot kasi may hinahabol na "point system" para maabot yung quota.

Wala naman masama mag-negosyo pero unahin niyo ang kalusugan ng pasyente, hindi ang pharmaceutical companies.

We must further investigate this system allegedly involving Bell-Kenz and other entities with a similar scheme. We must also look into the culpability of government agencies mandated to regulate and monitor the practice of medicine and the delivery of health services. Bakit ngayon