Public Advisory No. 19 — Prohibition of Hoarding of Drugs and Medicines, Profiteering, Illegal Combination, Formation of Cartels, and All Other Acts Committed in Restraint of Trade in COVID-19 Response
The Department of Health (DOH) issued a circular on March 19, 2020, prohibiting hoarding, profiteering, illegal combinations, and cartel formation concerning drugs and medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic. These actions are classified as illegal price manipulation under Section 24 of the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008, and violators will face strict penalties. The DOH emphasizes the need for public cooperation to ensure equitable access to medical supplies by purchasing only reasonable quantities. The advisory serves as a warning against exploiting the current health crisis and aims to prevent shortages in the community.
Law Information
- Reference Number
- DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0144
- Date Enacted
- Subcategory
- Department of Health
- Jurisdiction
- Philippines
- Enacting Body
- Congress of the Philippines
Full Law Text
March 19, 2020
DOH DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR NO. 2020-0144
| TO | : | All Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries; Directors of Bureaus, Services and Centers for Health Development; Minister of Health-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao; Executive Directors of Specialty Hospitals and National Nutrition Council; Director General of Philippines Institute of Traditional Medicine and Alternative Health Care; Chiefs of Medical Centers, Hospitals, Sanitaria and Institutes; President of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; Directors of Philippine National Aids Council Secretariat and Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers and All Others Concerned |
| SUBJECT | : | Public Advisory No. 19 — Prohibition of Hoarding of Drugs and Medicines, Profiteering, Illegal Combination, Formation of Cartels, and All Other Acts Committed in Restraint of Trade in COVID-19 Response |
The Department of Health strictly forbids the hoarding of drugs and medicines, profiteering, illegal combination, formation of cartels, and all other acts committed in restraint of trade during the COVID-19 situation. These are acts of Illegal Price Manipulation which are punishable under Section 24 of R.A. 9502 or the "Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008."
This public advisory is a reiteration of the Department's stringent warning against persons and entities who take advantage of the current Enhanced Community Quarantine. Persons found liable for the said acts shall be strictly dealt with.
The DOH enjoins the cooperation of the public to purchase only a reasonable quantity of drugs, medicines and supplies, in consideration of everyone in the community. This is to avoid shortages and hindrance of the flow of medical and drug supplies to every person in need. HTcADC
Dissemination of the information to all concerned is requested.
(SGD.) FRANCISCO T. DUQUE III, MD, MScSecretary of Health
Cite This Law
Public Advisory No. 19 — Prohibition of Hoarding of Drugs and Medicines, Profiteering, Illegal Combination, Formation of Cartels, and All Other Acts Committed in Restraint of Trade in COVID-19 Response, DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0144, Mar 19, 2020 (Philippines)
Public Advisory No. 19 — Prohibition of Hoarding of Drugs and Medicines, Profiteering, Illegal Combination, Formation of Cartels, and All Other Acts Committed in Restraint of Trade in COVID-19 Response, DOH Department Circular No. 2020-0144 (Phil. 2020)
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