Iloilo: Senator Joel Villanueva has urged an investigation into the PHP11.18 billion worth of expired and unused drugs and medicines reported by the Department of Health (DOH) in 2023. This call for action follows concerns raised by the Commission on Audit (COA).

According to Philippines News Agency, Villanueva announced during a press conference that he has filed Resolution 1326 and is working closely with the chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to spearhead the inquiry. The senator expressed his dissatisfaction with the COA's findings, pointing out the ongoing issue of medicine wastage.

The COA report indicated that in 2020, PHP95 million worth of drugs expired, with PHP85 million following in 2021, and an alarming PHP7.4 billion in 2022. Villanueva emphasized that Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, as the head of the DOH, should have been aware of these incidents, especially given the recurrence of the problem in previous years.

Villanueva criticized the DOH for allowing such wastage under its watch, stressing that PHP11.18 billion could have significantly benefited the public. He questioned the department's handling of the situation, as the medicines were stored improperly, spoiled, and ultimately rendered useless.

During his visit to Iloilo, Villanueva also participated in the payout of assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS) at West Visayas State University. The event saw approximately 1,500 elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and students receiving financial aid. Among the recipients, Domingo and Helen Gregorio from the Arevalo district expressed their gratitude, noting that the assistance would help with their maintenance medicines and basic needs.

Villanueva also called on voters to carefully evaluate candidates' track records in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.