On Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque did not rule out the possibility of the chief executive signing such an order.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 22) — The Department of Health has recommended that President Rodrigo Duterte issue an executive order to mandate a price ceiling for COVID-19 swab tests in private hospitals and laboratories.
“Ang Presidente po’y nag-issue ng (The President has issued an) executive order imposing price caps on medicines, so I don’t think it’s impossible for him to issue this executive order,” he said in a virtual briefing.
Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire explained there is an existing law that imposes a price ceiling on medicines, but it doesn’t cover the cost of diagnostics and professional fees.
“Nakikita nga po natin ang malaking difference between laboratories as to how much the swab testing costs,” she said.
[Translation: We can see that there is a huge difference in cost of swab tests in different laboratories.]
Vergeire said there is no recommended price set yet, but the DOH will conduct a survey to determine the range. She added they will consult with the Department of Trade and Industry and other experts.
