E-Botika bill advances in joint house hearing

Bataan 3rd District Rep. Gila Garcia joined the joint committee hearing of the House Committees on Trade and Industry and Health to deliberate on proposed measures under the E-Botika Act, a bill seeking stricter regulation of pharmaceutical products sold through online platforms.

The proposed legislation aims to ensure that pharmaceutical products, food supplements, and medical devices sold online are properly registered and licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, including those distributed through online pharmacy platforms and mobile applications.

Rep. Garcia emphasized the growing importance of digital platforms in providing easier access to medicines and other essential health products, especially for Filipinos seeking more convenient healthcare options.

However, the lawmaker stressed the need to balance accessibility with consumer safety, noting that stronger safeguards are necessary to guarantee that products sold online are safe, approved, and of high quality before reaching the public.

Also present during the hearing were Trade and Industry Committee Chair Maxi Dalog, Health Committee Chair Ciriaco Gato, Deputy Speaker Ferj Biron, and representatives from PhilHealth, Department of Trade and Industry, and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines.