The government is stepping up efforts to curb the proliferation of fake, unregistered and unregulated medicines sold on online platforms by forming a dedicated task force to monitor and regulate e-commerce drug sales.
The initiative follows rising concerns from pharmaceutical companies that warn online marketplaces have become havens for counterfeit products that undermine public safety and legitimate business.
Philippine Pharmaceutical Procurement Inc. (PPPI) president and chief executive Kim Bernardo-Lokin said the situation is particularly difficult for manufacturers selling through accredited websites.
“People turn to online sellers because prices are lower and access is easier, but this also opens the door for unregistered and unregulated products. We want the government, including local government units, to use us as the preferred procurement channel. This way, we can guarantee that medicines are genuine, efficacious and affordable,” Lokin said.
The proposed task force will combine regulatory oversight with market monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and enforcement. Responsibilities include gathering data on unregulated sales, conducting raids against illegal operations, and coordinating with e-commerce platforms to remove counterfeit listings.
Lokin cited the necessity of closer coordination between regulatory bodies. While PPPI is a state-owned corporation under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), about 80 percent of its work involves collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health (DOH).
“We can help monitor and verify products, ensuring they are FDA-registered and compliant with regulations,” Lokin said.
The official said online platforms have expressed a willingness to cooperate, though she emphasized that enforcement must be systematic and supported by consumer reporting. PPPI is prepared to conduct market research and expand its monitoring role if it receives appropriate budgetary support from the government.
“The answer is practical and actionable. A task force can bring together the DTI, FDA, DOH, and industry stakeholders to finally address the growing problem of fake and unregistered medicines online,” Lokin said.
The formation of the task force is expected to be formalized in the coming months. The government aims to create a safer online pharmaceutical market while ensuring Filipinos maintain access to affordable, authentic medicines.
