P.O. Box 1161, QCCPO, NCR, Philippines 1100
Cell No. : +63 917-812-5546
Email : labankonsyumer@gmail.com
: dimagibavic@gmail.com
: dmagiba@pldtdsl.net
Facebook: Laban Konsyumer Inc.
Website : www.labankonsyumer.com
LKI 2020 -031 PRESS STATEMENT
May 31, 2020
LABAN KONSYUMER: MAXIMUM DRUG RETAIL PRICE EFFECTIVE SINCE MAY 18, 2020,
“ Where are the list and the new retail prices for the information of consumers “
In a public statement today, consumer advocacy group Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) and its President Atty. Vic Dimagiba said “we must emphasize that the Maximum Drug Retail Price or MDRP is effective since May 18, 2020, which is 90 days from February 17, the date signed by the President and uploaded in the Official Gazette.
Laban Konsyumer is opposed to current lobby against the MDRP, and that is why we are clarifying that the MDRP is already effective since May 18, 2020. Dimagiba added “ there is nothing to stop because the EO is effective already”.
However, Laban Konsyumer notes the absence and lack of information dissemination on the side of the government. Dimagiba asked,” Where are the list and the new retail prices for the information of consumers “.
The old stocks can be sold at previous prices until June 1 as per Memo dated March 24 by USEC Vergeire of DOH.
Our group recently held that there is some relief for consumers during this lockdown. While we still struggle to make money and raise enough funds for our expenses, medicine prices will be going down very soon. There is now other way to go about it, no escape for the pharma companies. They have to think less of their own profits and alleviates the economic suffering of the poor people who desperately need their drugs and medicine at this difficult time of pandemic and lockdown.
Dimagiba pointed out “the implementation of the cheaper drugs and medicines must be applied immediately for the good and sake of all consumers. 135 medicines will see their prices drop by 45 to 55 percent of their current prices. This includes hypertension, diabetes, anti-asthma, anti-coagulant, anti-depressant, and anti-viral medicines. This has been studied for a long time, and this was issued by the President by Executive Order 104 in February 17, 2020.