Manila: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to approve the immediate suspension of increased fees for facility registration and certificate of product registration for health products. This request comes as the FDA seeks to reassess certain provisions of Administrative Order No. 2024-0016, which mandates these increased fees.

According to Philippines News Agency, FDA Director General Paolo Teston emphasized the need for the proposed suspension to be effective seven days following the DOH's approval. The suspension is set to last for 60 days unless the DOH secretary decides to lift or extend it. Teston highlighted that this initiative aligns with the FDA's commitment to collaborating openly with Congress, industry stakeholders, and the public to shape sound and effective regulatory policies.

Teston stated that the FDA is adopting a whole-of-government approach to ensure that policy changes remain fair, transparent, and aligned with broader efforts to strengthen healthcare regulation. He noted that any increase in regulatory fees must be backed by visible improvements in service delivery and operational efficiency.

Under his administration, Teston aims to prioritize the modernization of regulatory services and the enhancement of employee welfare. As a former DOH undersecretary, he assured the public that these initiatives will be implemented with a clear timeline and the support of Congress and stakeholders.