Regulator Criticized Over Bloomberg Funds

Consumer advocates have threatened to file graft charges against the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA), reports The Manila Bulletin.

Previously, the FDA admitted to receiving funds from Bloomberg Initiative and the Union, both of which are known anti-tobacco groups. Under Republic Act 6713, this is prohibited.

The admission came out during a discussion on heated-tobacco products and resulted in a call for an investigation of the FDA.

“If the FDA ignores the views of legitimate and impacted stakeholders and proceeds with the adoption of an administrative order lifted from the playbook of their anti-tobacco patrons, we would be constrained to file an anti-graft case with the Ombudsman,” said Anton Israel, president of the Nicotine Consumers Union of the Philippines.