Farmakeío Exélixi (8)

JUNE 2022
INTRODUCTION TO
HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

F EARMAKEIO
XELEXI

CEBU DOCTORS' UNIVERSITY

BS PHARMACY 1B

01

INTRODUCTION
TO HEALTH

CARE SYSTEM

GROUP MEMBERS

DURBAN, MARIE ANGELI
EMPUERTO, LESLIE GWEN
LANTACA, ALYSSA REESE
PANES, MARIELLE FAITH
SUPERA, CYREL

02

03

APOTHECARY. Referred to both the person who
manufactured and dispensed medicines, and the
shop in which those medicines were sold. The
appearance of the first apothecary in history was in
Baghdad in 754 AD. Apothecaries were at their most
popular throughout the 1700s but by the turn of the
century, they were starting to be outnumbered by
Victorian chemists. However in the modern age, for
a few remaining establishments, the apothecary as it
was once known is all but extinct.

04

TABLE OF 0 Olden Days of Pharmacy
by Marie Angeli Durban
CONTENTS
0 Diseases in the Olden Times
by Marie Angeli Durban

0 Medicinal Plants Back Then
by Alyssa Reese Lantaca

0 The People Behind Drugs
by Alyssa Reese Lantaca

0 International Legislations
by Leslie Gwen Empuerto

0 Centerfold: Timeline
0 Philippine Pharmacy Laws

by Leslie Gwen Empuerto

0 Modern Diseases
by Marielle Faith Panes

0 Vaccines for Flu, Polio, etc.
by Marielle Faith Panes

0 Pandemic & E-Prescriptions
by Cyrel Supera

0 Immunizing Pharmacists
by Cyrel Supera

0 Editorial

AESCULAPIUS & HYGIEIA.
The Greek god of healing with
his daughter, the Greek
goddess of health. The Rod of
Asclepius, one snake around a
rod as the symbol of doctors,
and the Bowl of Hygieia, a snake
drinking from a cup as the
symbol of pharmacists. The
two divinities are accompanied
by a snake, the symbol of
wisdom and healing power.

06

olden days of

PHARMACY

Hippocrates Avicenna

of Kos “The Persian Galen”

Saint Cosmas

A Greek physician who lived from Also known as Ibn Sina, he was a true Saint Cosmas and Damian were third
about 460 B.C. to 375 B.C. At a time polymath with his contributions ranging century Arabian-born twin brothers
when most people attributed sickness from medicine, psychology and who embraced Christianity and
to superstition and the wrath of the pharmacology and the like. His most practiced medicine and surgery
gods, he taught that all forms of important contribution to medical without a fee. Due to this, it led them
illness had a natural cause. He science was his famous book, "The Canon to be known as the holy
established the first intellectual of Medicine." A larger portion of the first unmercenaries, the Anargyroi. They
school devoted to teaching the book discusses the causes of health and reputedly cured blindness, fever,
practice of medicine. For this, he is disease and emphasizes the importance of paralysis and reportedly expelled a
widely known as the "Father of considering both physical and breast serpent. Aside from this, they
Medicine." The school of medicine psychological factors when devising were credited for being the first to
focused on treating the causes of medical treatment plans for patients. attempt a limb transplant on a human
disease rather than just its symptoms. Furthermore, he also emphasized on being. Hundreds of healing miracles
Moreover, these early medical preventative care through balancing the are attributed to the twin saints.
practitioners promoted the six essential lifestyle factors, including
systematic study of clinical medicine. diet, nutrition, and exercise, etc. Aside
Meaning to say, they studied diseases from this, he was also credited with some
by directly examining the living of the early stirrings of important public
person. Through his efforts, medical health and safety measures still in
practice pointed in a new direction, practice today, such as quarantine. In his
one that would move toward a more observations throughout The Canon, he
rational and scientific view of identifies Tuberculosis as a contagious
medicine. disease whose victims should be subject to
quarantine, or isolation, so as to avoid
further spread of the illness.

07

As they say, there are times when we have to look renowned personalities that created history
back to see how far we have come and realise that through their remarkable contributions. All that
we made progress after all. Certainly, the practice the practice of Pharmacy is known for today, and
of Pharmacy has evolved and developed throughout what it will be known for or become in the next
the centuries. That said, let us take a walk down generations, we owe it all to these people who
memory lane, to revisit the rich history of the became our beacon of light, that continues to
profession, back to where it all started and how it inspire, guide, and give hope to pharmacists all
came to be. Here we will be featuring some of the around the world.

alexander
flemming

and damian

They are most famous for the A Scottish pharmacist, pharmacologist, friedrich
miracle of the black leg. It is said and biologist, who was famous for the serturner
that the saints appeared in the discovery which has saved millions of
man’s dream carrying an ointment lives – the world's first antibiotic A German pharmacist, who discovered
and an instrument. In his dream, penicillin. A staphylococcus culture was morphine, a drug that belongs to a class
the saints decided to remove his full of mold, but Fleming, instead of of drugs known as opioid analgesics.
diseased leg surgically and grafted discarding it, wanted to observe it under His discovery of morphine is most
a healthy leg from a recently- his microscope. Surprisingly, the mold important to the well-being of the
deceased Ethiopian who was had eliminated all bacteria in its path. general public in their management of
buried in another church. When After a more thorough investigation, it pain, and this story also served as an
the man awoke, he reached for his allowed him to find the substance he inspiration for further scientific
leg and felt no pain and observed called penicillin. This powerful element developments. He was the first to
that he now had two healthy legs would become one of the first antibiotics isolate the active ingredient associated
although one was not his. effective against diseases that at that time with a medicinal plant and the first to
could be deadly, such as scarlet fever, isolate an alkaloid from any plant,
pneumonia, meningitis and gonorrhea. thus disproving the prevailing notion
He devoted himself to highlight in that all plant substances were acidic in
multiple speeches and lectures that the nature and launching the new science
antibiotic should not be consumed unless of alkaloid chemistry. This initiative of
it is really necessary, and that if it is done, his stimulated other chemists to isolate
the dose should not be very light, nor other important alkaloids, such as
should it be taken in a too short period. codeine, quinine, strychnine, and
This incorrect use of the drug only allows caffeine. Although his discovery was
the bacteria that cause the disease to made in 1805, it wasn’t until after 1815
become stronger, worsening the patients' that morphine became widely available
condition and making it difficult to for use. Due to his discovery and
recover. Even up until today, this is still extensive research into the effects of
one of the lessons that practitioners morphine, we are able to harness its
ensure to emphasize to the patients and pain relief qualities today.
the public in general.

08

DISEASES

in the olden times

For centuries, explanations for disease were not based possibility of intervening to prevent disease or treat it.
on science rather, religion, superstition, and myth. The Despite the contributions of the Corpus, medical and
Hippocratic Corpus was an early attempt to think scientific progress in Europe was arrested for several
about diseases, not as punishment from the gods, but centuries. The population grew, and cities became
as an imbalance of man with the environment. By densely populated, but there was little attention to
considering the possibility that disease was associated waste disposal and sanitation. These factors set the
with environmental factors or imbalances in diet or stage for endemic disease and periodic epidemics.
personal behaviors, the Corpus also opened up the
FEVER
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina, was T
common and occurred as epidemics in the 1800s SCARLE
with a death rate as high as 150/100,000. It is
caused by an organism, Streptococcus and is
seen rarely in developed countries like the
United Kingdom these days. It commonly affects
children ages 5 to 12, and shares many
symptoms with strep, such as fever, sore throat,
headache, nausea, along with a red,
sandpapery rash that appears on the chest and
neck and may spread across the body.

LEPRO

Y
S

Leprosy was initially thought to be a curse or a
punishment from God. In fact, leprosy sufferers were
stigmatized, forced to wear special clothing or ring bells
to warn others when they were approaching. However, it
is an infection caused by the slow growing bacteria,
Mycobacterium leprae having a long incubation period
of two to five years and symptoms usually start as a
numbness or loss of feeling in a defined area of skin -
reflecting the affinity of the bacterium for nerve cells.
Symptoms vary from person to person, and tend to
progress with time; ranging from mild, indeterminate
hypopigmented skin lesions to blindness, deformity and
severe facial disfigurement.

09

D I D Before the advent of mass production PBLUABGO N I CE
of medication by drug companies in the U
mid 20th century, each Medication was
custom-made from raw ingredients to

Y O U suit an individual patient’s needs.
Pharmacists used the mortar and
pestle for centuries to make custom
medications, which is why it is now

KNOW? theindustrysymbol
of today’s
pharmacists.

The Black Death: Bubonic Plague, an acute Yellow fever is caused by a virus in the family
infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia
pestis. The bacteria live in the intestines of fleas and Flaviviridae, and it is transmitted by the Aedes
are transmitted to rats by flea bites. The rats,
therefore, serve as a natural reservoir for the aegypti mosquito. It most likely originated in Africa
disease, and fleas are the vectors. The bacteria
would then spread to the regional lymph nodes and
multiply, causing dark, tender, swollen nodules
(buboes). As the infection spread, the victim would
experience headache, high fever, delirium, and
finally death in about 60% of cases.

ELLO
Y
FEVE and arrived in the Western Hemisphere in the 1600s
W
as a result of slave trade. The mosquitos spread the

virus from infected to uninfected in the New World.

While many who are infected do not experience any

symptoms or have mild symptoms, others have fever,

muscle pain, headache, nausea and vomiting. A small

percentage of people infected with the virus develop

a life-threatening form of the disease that involves

high fevers, internal bleeding, vomiting of blood and

jaundice—which is where the “yellow” in yellow fever

comes from. LOSIS

R U
UBERC
Tuberculosis, also known as the “white plague,” is caused T
when Mycobacterium tuberculosis attacks the lungs. It
was the cause of more deaths in industrialized countries
than any other disease during the 19th and early 20th
centuries. For most of the 19th century, it was thought to
be a hereditary, constitutional disease rather than a
contagious one. However, Robert Koch’s identification of
the tuberculosis bacillus in 1882 helped to convince
members of the medical and public–health communities
that the disease was contagious thus, preventing the
spread of tuberculosis became the motivation for some
of the first large-scale public health campaigns.

10

AVICENNA. The Persian Galen.

As they say, there are times when we have to look Saint Cosmas and Damian were third century Arabian-born
back to see how far we have come and realise twin brothers who embraced Christianity and practiced
that we made progress after all. Certainly, medicine and surgery without a fee. Due to this, it led them to
the practice of Pharmacy has evolved and be known as the holy unmercenaries, the Anargyroi. They
developed throughout the centuries. That reputedly cured blindness, fever, paralysis and reportedly
said, let us take a walk down memory expelled a breast serpent. Aside from this, they were credited
lane, to revisit the rich history of the profession, back to for being the first to attempt a limb transplant on a human
where it all started and how it came to be. Here, we will be being. Hundreds of healing miracles are attributed to the twin
featuring some of the renowned personalities that created saints. They are most famous for the miracle of the black leg.
history through their remarkable contributions. All that the It is said that the saints appeared in the man’s dream carrying
practice of Pharmacy is known for today, and what it will be an ointment and an instrument. In his dream, the saints
known for or become in the next generations, we owe it all to decided to remove his diseased leg surgically and grafted a
these people who became our beacon of light, that continues healthy leg from a recently-deceased Ethiopian who was
to inspire, guide, and give hope to pharmacists all around the buried in another church. When the man awoke, he reached
world. for his leg and felt no pain and observed that he now had two
Hippocrates of Kos was a Greek physician who lived from healthy legs although one was not his.
about 460 B.C. to 375 B.C. At a time when most people Avicenna “The Persian Galen” also known as Ibn Sina was a
attributed sickness to superstition and the wrath of the gods, true polymath with his contributions ranging from medicine,
he taught that all forms of illness had a natural cause. He psychology and pharmacology to geology, physics, astronomy,
established the first intellectual school devoted chemistry, and philosophy. His most important contribution
to teaching the practice of medicine. For to medical science was his famous book, "The Canon of
this, he is widely known as the "Father of Medicine." A larger portion of the first book discusses the
Medicine." The school of medicine focused causes of health and disease and emphasizes the importance of
on treating the causes of disease rather considering both physical and psychological factors when
than just its symptoms. Moreover, these devising medical treatment plans for patients. Furthermore,
early medical practitioners promoted the he also emphasized on preventative care through balancing
systematic study of clinical medicine. the six essential lifestyle factors, including diet, nutrition, and
Meaning to say, they studied diseases by exercise, etc. Aside from this, he was also credited with some
directly examining the living person. Through of the early stirrings of important public health and safety
his efforts, medical practice pointed in a new measures still in practice today, such as quarantine. In his
direction, one that would move toward a observations throughout The Canon, he identifies
more rational and scientific view of medicine. Tuberculosis as a contagious disease whose victims should be

International Pharmacy
Legislations

By: Leslie Gwen L. Empuerto

Time and experience have opened The American Pharmacists
the minds of the masses about the Association, has responded to a
importance of laws in the context certain movement in the late
of medicine, pharmacy, and in 1860s with regard to the
every other field, as a matter of “increased public protection and
fact. See, after the creation of occupational security”, by making
essential pharmaceutical drugs (as law amendments which paved the
previously discussed in the way for a pharmacy act to be
previous section), it is important modeled. Throughout the globe, a
to ensure the proper regulation pharmacy act provides the
and moderation of their use and consolidated provisions and ideas
distribution. Why? It is simply to be implemented within the
because everything must be done scope of pharmacy (Government
in regulation, otherwise, what Gazette, 2020). It may have
should’ve been used to save different variations from country
people’s lives just might be the to country, but the gist remains to
reason a life would come to an put high priority on the safety of
end. the people through the
In light of the exponential growth medications and pharmaceutical
of pharmaceutical medications preparations dispensed and
across several civilizations, provided by pharmacists.
movements have been created
throughout centuries which are
anchored on their proper use and
regulation. Thus, legislations have
been formulated to ensure the
safety of the preparations and to
ensure the accountability of
druggists over the course of this
rapid development of medicines.

A statesman of Roman descent, Marcus
Tullius Cicero, once said, “The safety of the

people shall be the highest law”, to which
we best believe, must be ingrained in the
minds of every citizen, and be lived as long

as we walk this earth.

However, as we know, there will The 1870s, 1880s, 1890s and which would require more
always be split ideas and results onwards were the decades modifications to be done in order
from the conduct of certain bills, wherein there was a great boost in to accommodate the rapid rate of
acts, or laws provided. Amongst the funding and association change in the needs of the citizens
the prominent issues with regard among pharmacists, traders, and and the healthcare community in
to that act was the fact that some those who were supportive general.
pharmacists took it negatively in sponsors in the advancement of In pharmaceutical legislation,
such a way that they find some the field. It was a great time for modification was necessary and
restrictions in the pharmacy act pharmaceutical development and was reflected in the vast changes
drawn up by other professionals professionalism, as there was a in therapeutics and practice. Laws
who were concerned with the safe disintegration of hindrances and of the land, especially those of
usage of poison, quite unfair in communication-gaps between federal nature, were more strict in
terms of delegation of authority pharmacy practitioners and other the regulation and production of
when it comes to compounding, healthcare professionals. pharmaceutical drugs, especially
administering, and even Institutional certification and the following the war that took place.
dispensing medications. Thus, to identification of pharmacists as a The practice of pharmacy saw a
compensate for this, they have collective group of highly skilled wave of modernization as 1938,
decided to have an empowered 1951, and 1962 amendments in
committee to draw up their own
model law which would protect and competent health care
the best interests of the masses and providers have paved the way for
of the practice of Pharmacy the flourishment of the field and
(Remington’s: The Science and practice of Pharmacy.
Practice of Pharmacy, 2021).

Throughout the years, Still, despite a seemingly steady
as with any law growth, dramatic changes
created, amendments happened in the 19th and 20th
and resolutions are centuries, among which would
still occasionally include the scourges of humanity
added to address
probable mishaps or
overlooked provisions
in already established ones.

already established laws were
passed (Remington’s: The Science
and Practice of Pharmacy, 2021).
Medicines had tougher standards
to pass and each one was
meticulously judged for safety and
efficacy. The distribution of
pharmaceutical drugs and
products were highly regulated in
the market to ensure that no
counterfeits or substandard ones

are distributed. Moreover, laws with regard to
the production and usage of drugs prone to
abuse and addiction were updated through the
Drug Abuse Act, which was enforced through
agencies which monitor and control the
aforementioned preparations.

did you know?

The first Pharmacy Act was passed in Great Britain on the 31st
day of July in the year 1868. This was marked as a huge

milestone in the history of the field and practice of Pharmacy,
as it set up a register of people who were qualified to restrict

or permit the sale of poisons to only qualified people. This
paved the way for the promotion of safe medicines and it

jumpstarted the introduction of formal qualifications for
pharmacists who were the ones responsible for thorough

examination of the pharmaceutical products they were
distributing to the public.



did you know?

in the year 1962, Important
amendments of the international
Federal Food and Drug Act were
made. furthermore, in the year
1973, there was the approval of
the united states Supreme Court
decision which states that
licensed pharmacists can have
ownership control of pharmacies.

Evidently, the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries were integral milestones International
for the uphill growth of the field and practice of Pharmacy, which is Pharmacy
why it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the legislations
that became pillars for the laws we now have today. Thanks to the Legislations
pioneering heads and members of Pharmacy Organization and
Associations around the globe, we continually have an empowered Penned By: Leslie Gwen L. Empuerto
mindset which further showcases our competence, talent, intellect,
and skill in the conduct of our work, all for the glory of the one above
and in the service of our fellowmen.

Philippine Since time immemorial,
Pharmacy Laws field, and this includes th
the movement of the Me
Penned By: Leslie Gwen L. Empuerto

The previous article titled: Fortunately, lawmakers in the
“International Pharmacy Philippines have come to terms the Professional Regulation
Legislations” has introduced the with the importance of the Commission (PRC) that would
mothership of the laws that pharmaceutical preparations further improve the services
govern the practice of Pharmacy that pharmacists deliver to their offered to the citizens of the
from centuries ago. The patients, which is why there are Philippines would include the:
Pharmacy Act established in several laws which supplement
Great Britain in the year 1868 the Philippine Pharmacy Act (1) Philippine Pharmacy Act,
was the foundation of all other and provide a wide scope of (2) Food Drug and Cosmetic Act,
Pharmacy Acts from all across health care service to
the globe. Here in the accommodate everyone’s needs. (3) The Generics Act of 1988,
Philippines, we also have our Amongst the other laws (4) The Comprehensive Dangerous Drug
own variation of the said act. In approved and spearheaded by
fact, amendments were created the Professional Regulatory Act of 2002,
from the prior version, which Board of Pharmacy and with the (5) Special Law on Counterfeit Drugs,
gave birth to the current approval of (6) Food and Drug Administration Act of
Republic Act 10918 “Philippine
Pharmacy Act”. 2009, and
(7) Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010.

laws that govern the land will always have a huge bearing in the conduct of any
he utmost importance of healthcare-related laws that would go hand-in-hand with
edical Field which in turn, also touches the vast field and practice of Pharmacy.

RA 10918
(PHILIPPINE PHARMACY ACT):



This Act provides for and shall govern the:

(a) Standardization and regulation of pharmacy education;
(b) Administration of licensure examination, registration, and licensing of pharmacists;
(c) Supervision, control, and regulation of the practice of pharmacy in the Philippines;
(d) Development and enhancement of professional competence of pharmacists through continuing
professional development, research, and other related activities; and
(e) Integration of the pharmacy profession.

Amongst the importance of Republic Act 10918 to the pharmacists here in the Philippines is that
it allows the expansion of the scope of the tasks and services which pharmacists are able to do. This
includes being able to administer adult vaccines by licensed and trained pharmacists provided in
Section 40 of Article IV: Regulation of the Practice of Pharmacy. Moreover, as previously mentioned,
this current Philippine Pharmacy Act contains the new provisions and amendments, which thus
repeals the ones that needed to be changed from the previous version, as further emphasized by
Section 52 of Article VIII: Final Provisions.

Philippine Pharmacy Laws

Penned By: Leslie Gwen L. Empuerto

This particular act is an RA 3720
essential guide not only for (FOOD, DRUG, AND COSMETIC ACT)

pharmacists but also for

professionals who work in Section 2. It is hereby declared the policy of the
regulatory agencies. It is always State to insure safe and good quality supply of
important to ensure the safety food, drug and cosmetic, and to regulate the
of the production of drugs, production, sale, and traffic of the same to protect
the health of the people.
especially those of Section 3. In the implementation of the foregoing
pharmaceutical nature, that policy, the Government shall in accordance with
the provisions of this Act:
are released to the public.
Cases of mass poisoning would (a) Establish standards and quality measures
be reduced when the drugs are for food, drug, and cosmetic.
not defective, which is why it is (b) Adopt measures to insure pure and safe
supply of food, drug, and cosmetic in the
essential to mandate the country.
meticulous inspection of any
pharmaceutical preparation.

Philippine Pharmacy Laws

Penned By: Leslie Gwen L. Empuerto

R.A 6675 (GENERICS ACT OF 1988)



Section 2. Statement of Policy – It is hereby declared the policy of the State:
§ To promote, encourage and require the use of generic terminology in the
importation, manufacture, distribution, marketing, advertising and promotion,
prescription and dispensing of drugs;
§ To ensure the adequate supply of drugs with generic names at the lowest possible cost
and endeavor to make them available for free to indigent patients;
§ To encourage the extensive use of drugs with generic names through a rational
system of procurement and distribution;
§ To emphasize the scientific basis for the use of drugs, in order that health
professionals may become more aware and cognizant of their therapeutic effectiveness;
and
§ To promote drug safety by minimizing duplication in medications and/or use of
drugs with potentially adverse drug interactions.

This particular act is an R.A 9165
essential guide not only (THE COMPREHENSIVE DANGEROUS DRUG
for pharmacists but also
ACT of 2002)
for professionals who Section 2. Second Paragraph.
work in regulatory
Toward this end, the government shall pursue an
agencies. It is always intensive and unrelenting campaign against the
important to ensure the trafficking and use of dangerous drugs and other
safety of the production similar substances through an integrated system of
of drugs, especially those planning, implementation and enforcement of anti-
of pharmaceutical nature, drug abuse policies, programs, and projects. The
that are released to the government shall however aim to achieve a balance
in the national drug control program so that people
public. Cases of mass with legitimate medical needs are not prevented
poisoning would be from being treated with adequate amounts of
appropriate medications, which include the use of
reduced when the drugs dangerous drugs.
are not defective, which is

why it is essential to
mandate the meticulous

inspection of any
pharmaceutical
preparation.

R.A 8203 (SPECIAL LAW ON Counterfeit drugs, as provided by
COUNTERFEIT DRUGS) definition, “refers to medicinal
products with the correct
Section 8. Penalties. ingredients but not in the
(f) should a counterfeit drug be the amounts as provided hereunder,
proximate cause of death of a wrong ingredients, without active
victim, who unknowingly purchased ingredients, with insufficient
and took a counterfeit drug, the quantity of active ingredient,
penalty of life imprisonment and a which results in the reduction of
fine of Five hundred thousand pesos the drug’s safety, efficacy, quality,
(P500,000) to Five million pesos strength or purity.” Thus, it is
(P5,000,000) shall be imposed. essential for pharmacists to always
ensure the authenticity of the
drug, as counterfeits could harm
the lives of patients.

did you know?

in the year 1962, Important amendments of
the international Federal Food and Drug Act

were made. furthermore, in the year 1973,
there was the approval of the united states

Supreme Court decision which states that
licensed pharmacists can have ownership

control of pharmacies.



R.A 9711 (FOOD AND DRUG In line with the R.A. 3720 Food, Drug,
ADMINISTRATION ACT OF 2009) and Cosmetic Act this act specifically
SEC. 4. This Act has the following focuses on the government agency
objectives: which is in-charge of the overall
regulation and monitoring of the
(a) To enhance and strengthen the production of food, drugs, and
administrative and technical capacity cosmetics for the people to utilize. This
of the FDA in the regulation of emphasizes the role which
establishments and products under its manufacturers have, their
jurisdiction; responsibilities, the scope to which
(b) To ensure the FDA’s monitoring them and their business production
and regulatory coverage over would be penalized in accordance with
establishments and products under its the law.
jurisdiction; and
(c) To provide coherence in the FDA’s
regulatory system for establishments
and products under its jurisdiction.

R.A 9444
(EXPANDED SENIOR CITIZENS ACT OF 2010)



Rule IV. Privileges for the Senior Citizens

Article 7. Twenty Percent (20%) Discount and VAT
Exemption - The senior citizens shall be entitled to the grant
of twenty percent (20%) discount and to an exemption from
the value-added tax (VAT), IF APPLICABLE, on the sale of
the goods and services covered by Section 1 to 6 of this
Article, from all establishments for the exclusive use and
enjoyment or availment of senior citizens.

Finally, this law is one
of the beneficial ones
created for the benefit
of the senior citizens of
our country.
Pharmacies should
always honor this as
well, since under the
law, it is stated that
any person or company
who refuses to honor
the 20% discount
granted to senior
citizens may be
imprisoned from two
to six years, and shall
be fined not less that
PHP 50,000 but not
exceeding PHP
200,000.

A statesman of Roman
descent, Marcus Tullius
Cicero, once said, “The safety
of the people shall be the
highest law”, to which I
believe, must be ingrained in
the minds of every citizen,
and be lived as long as we
walk this earth.