ILOILO CITY – Senator Joel Villanueva has called for an investigation into the PHP11.18 billion worth of expired and unused drugs and medicines of the Department of Health (DOH) in 2023, as flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA).

Speaking at a press conference here on Thursday, Villanueva revealed that he filed Resolution 1326 and has coordinated with the chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which will lead the inquiry.

He expressed dismay over the COA report, highlighting the recurring issue of medicine wastage.

In 2020, PHP95 million worth of drugs expired, followed by PHP85 million in 2021, and a staggering PHP7.4 billion in 2022.

He added that Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, being the head of the department, should have known about these incidents, especially since this problem existed during the previous year.

"These things should not be happening under the nose of the Department of Health. I’m calling on the secretary—what is he doing about this? PHP11.18 billion is not a small amount of money that could have benefited many people. And this is just for medicines—imagine, they were stockpiled, spoiled, and rendered useless. Now, they’ll just be thrown away," Villanueva said in Filipino.

The senator was in Iloilo for payout of assistance to individuals in crisis situations (AICS).

Villanueva also urged voters to scrutinize candidates' track records in the 2025 midterm polls.

During his visit, Villanueva attended the payout of AICS at West Visayas State University, where around 1,500 elderly, persons with disabilities, and students received aid.

A couple, Domingo and Helen Gregorio, from the Arevalo district, expressed gratitude, saying the assistance would help cover their maintenance medicines and basic needs. (PNA)

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