Manila, March 27 -- Senator Joel Villanueva has called for an investigation into the PHP11.18 billion worth of expired and unused drugs and medicines of the Department of Health (DOH) in 2023, as flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA).

Speaking at a press conference here on Thursday, Villanueva revealed that he filed Resolution 1326 and has coordinated with the chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which will lead the inquiry.

He expressed dismay over the COA report, highlighting the recurring issue of medicine wastage.

In 2020, PHP95 million worth of drugs expired, followed by PHP85 million in 2021, and a staggering PHP7.4 billion in 2022.

He added that Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, being the head of the department, should ...