Pharmacists urged to back lowering prices of drugs

SENATOR Mar Roxas on Sunday called on the Pharmaceutical HealthCare Association of the Philippines (Phap) to join hands with the Department of Health (DOH) in expanding public access to quality medicines at more affordable prices rather than block the passage of legislation to lower the cost of medicines. (Sun.Star)

Affordable medicines

FOR a change, the Senate took the initiative on an important bill ahead of the House of Representatives, which now plays follow-the-leader on the issue of costly medicines. The Senate, voting 20-0, approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2263, authored by Sen. Mar Roxas, which seeks to amend the Intellectual Property Code to make medicines more accessible to the poor and the middle-class. (Manila Times)

Cold weather no excuse to raise vegetable prices

Senator Mar Roxas on Wednesday said vegetable supplies from Benguet province remains ample, thus traders should not use the cold weather as a basis to increase its prices."The cold weather is not an excuse for traders to raise the prices of vegetables," Roxas said after making rounds in public markets in La Trinidad and Atok, Benguet with its respective mayors Nestor Fongwan and Concepcion Balao. (Balita)

Liberal Party speech by Senator MAR Roxas

From Senator MAR Roxas:

"On January 29, I delivered the keynote address at the 61st Anniversary celebration of the Liberal Party. To prepare for this speech, I took time out from a hectic schedule to seriously reflect on what needed to be said and how I should say it given the poisoned environment that we find ourselves in.

I would like to share a copy of this speech with you so that you’d know best my beliefs and concerns as a public leader and your humble representative in the Senate. In it, I said that our people are the country’s greatest strength. It also sets forth a clear platform for the Liberal Party.

Let me know if it strikes a chord or not and why. Certainly, any suggestions or comments you may have on how you and I can make our country better shall be deeply appreciated."

Read the full speech of Senator MAR Roxas.