The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued a memorandum circular prohibiting sari-sari stores and other small shops from selling medicine.
This includes simple over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as paracetamol, pain relievers, and analgesics.
According to the DILG, this is based on the long-standing Republic Act No. 10918 or Philippine Pharmaceutical Act signed in 2016.
DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had sought the help of their agency to implement the said law.
“Ang pinupuntirya kasi natin dito ‘yong mga fake drugs na kumakalat,” said Malaya.
But for the residents of a barangay in Pasong Tamo, Quezon City, it would be a significant loss to ban the sale of medicine in sari-sari stores.
“Kawawa naman kami. Paano na ‘yong walang pamasahe, hindi makakabili, walang pambili ng maramihan, saan kami kukuha?” said Ambraham Barquilla.
“Very important ang tindahan sa amin kasi ang tindahan anytime makakatakbo ka, ando’n agad sa tindahan,” said Evangeline Pernito.
According to Malaya, the DILG is aware that it will be more difficult for ordinary Filipinos to access medicines but is just enforcing the law.
“‘Yong batas ay maliwanag, walang exemption… kailangan na mayroong lisensiya mula sa FDA ang kahit ano’ng establisimyento,” said Malaya.
Sari-sari stores banned from selling drugs: DILG
FDA officer in charge Oscar Gutierrez recommended storing an adequate supply of medicine in homes.
But for other Filipinos, this is impossible.
“Hindi lahat makakabili ng isang banig. Malayo pa ang botika,” said Myla Rose Gabales.
According to Gutierrez, sari-sari stores can also apply for a license to sell medicine.
“May mga requirement na kailangan i-satisfy, kagaya ng ito ay under the supervision of a pharmacist,” said Gutierrez.
If the unlicensed establishment is caught and found to be selling drugs, those caught can be fined up to P200,000 or imprisoned from 1 month to 1 year.
According to DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, they are ready to work with the Department of Health to strengthen barangay pharmacies and town pharmacies that provide free medicine to the people.
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