FDA set to recertify contraceptives in market

MANILA, Philippines - Beginning today, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to resume recertification of contraceptive products being sold in the local market in compliance with the Supreme Court decision on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 two years ago.

According to the FDA, it will issue a formal announcement containing the list and details of contraceptive products up for recertification.

The mechanics for submitting comments, petitions in support or opposition concerning the products shall be also included in the formal announcement, the agency said.

 In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Duterte pushed for the full implementation of the RH Law or Republic Act 10354 and sought lifting of the temporary restraining order issued by the SC against the measure.

The TRO stopped the Department of Health (DOH) from including certain contraceptives in its family planning program and effectively suspended the full implementation of the RH law. 

Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno had clarified that the SC never issued a TRO against the implementation of the RH law but only on two implants – Implanon and Implanon NXT. This was disputed by RH proponents.

Sereno said the TRO against the two implants would be lifted as soon as the FDA certifies that they are not abortifacient.

She stressed that the reason the TRO has not been lifted is with the FDA, not with the high court.

The DOH and Commission on Population (PopCom) previously expressed fears that if the TRO is not lifted, there might be a shortage of contraceptives in the country.

According to PopCom, the TRO did not only restrain the government from using a contraceptive implant, but also prohibited the FDA from granting any and all pending application for registration or recertification for contraceptive drugs and devices.

Due to the TRO, PopCom said the FDA cannot recertify 30 out of the 47 contraceptives with expired registration.

Meanwhile, the FDA warned the public anew against purchase and use of unregistered food supplements available in the market.

FDA identified some of the unregistered products as Filipino Delights Malunggay Powder; Hokkaido Brand Mackerel; Jumbo Hawflakes; Argao’s Guilang Tableya 100% Cacao; Gina Iodized Salt; Krispers Bread Crumbs Chef’s Mate; BClear Purified Drinking Water; Korean Cup Noodles (in foreign characters); and Korean Cup Noodles, 110 grams (in foreign characters).

FDA said the agency cannot guarantee the quality and safety of products that did not pass through registration process.

“The consumption of such violative products may pose potential health hazard to the consuming public,” the FDA said.