PH Politics

DOH, FDA warn public vs unregistered medicines and health products

The Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the Philippines issued a nationwide warning against unregistered and counterfeit health products, including medicines, supplements, cosmetics, and medical devices. FDA Director General Atty. Paolo Teston said unregistered products have not undergone government evaluation, making their safety and effectiveness uncertain. Under Republic Act No. 9711, all health products sold in the country must be registered with the FDA. The agencies urged consumers to verify FDA registration numbers, buy only from licensed outlets, and report suspected illegal products and adverse reactions through official FDA and DOH channels.

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Brian Poe brings Philippine AI policies to World Economic Forum

Rep. Brian Poe presented the Philippine House of Representatives’ artificial intelligence and digital policy agenda at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, detailing a proactive, legislative-led approach to AI governance. Speaking at the panel “AI in Youth Education as Development Drivers,” Poe outlined how Congress works to regulate emerging technologies, protect workers, and support long-term economic growth. He highlighted initiatives on digital infrastructure, education, workforce upskilling, and responsible AI use, as well as ongoing consultations with industry, academe, and civil society to shape AI legislation.

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Zaldy Co signals readiness to testify in Marcos impeachment

The House Committee on Justice said fugitive former congressman Zaldy Co may testify in the impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. only if he returns to the Philippines, appears in person, and takes his oath before the panel in Quezon City, as the committee continues hearings on multiple impeachment complaints and evaluates potential witnesses under existing House rules.

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Flu-like RSV on the rise in Philippines with colder weather

Health experts in the Philippines on Friday warned the public about a rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other influenza-like illnesses amid cooler weather, noting increased consultations for cough, colds, and flu-like symptoms. The Department of Health urged families, schools, and high-risk groups to observe strict hygiene, improve ventilation, practice respiratory etiquette, and seek early medical care for warning signs such as fast breathing and persistent fever. Authorities said they continue to monitor RSV trends nationwide through hospitals and surveillance units.

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Marcos sets 2026 deadline for DPWH projects, Dizon says

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways to complete all pending projects nationwide by 2026. Dizon said the DPWH is finalizing an inventory of unfinished infrastructure works and will use it to prioritize and allocate resources under a reduced 2026 budget of P529.6 billion, down from the P881 billion originally requested. He said the department will coordinate with regional offices, local governments, and other agencies to address bottlenecks and implement the completion directive.

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Willie Revillame clarifies campaign cash aid for injured supporters

Television host Willie Revillame said during a media conference for his new game show “Wilyonaryo” in Quezon City that he gave money to some supporters while campaigning for public office to help cover injuries they suffered at past tapings and public appearances of his shows. He explained that videos showing him scolding his production staff reflected his strictness on safety after incidents in which audience members were injured and, in some cases, died. Revillame said he used personal funds in some instances, coordinated with families of the injured, and ordered tighter safety protocols and crowd control measures for his current and future productions.

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