Memory of My Brother and the Road to Affordable Medicines
Dear all,
Hi. This is Mar.
It’s been a long day at work, and finally things have quieted down.
On my desk is an old family picture. My dad is there, with my mom, my sister Ria, myself and my brother Dinggoy. For those of you who never knew him, Dinggoy was the real politician among us. He always had a ready handshake and an infectious smile. I remember those days before he became representative of Capiz —I was his campaign manager, dreaming big things with him. But bigger things eluded us because in a strange, tragic twist of fate, Dinggoy died at the age of 32 of cancer.
I’m saying this because I want you to know that my health care advocacy – the Quality Affordable Medicinces bill - was not spun out of thin air. It was never just a Senate bill with a number – it was personal.
I’ve been fighting for it since 2004, when we first laid the groundwork for the bill. And it has finally been passed. After countless dialogues, proposals and counter-proposals, the Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008 was ratified by both Houses last April 29. On June 6, finally, it was signed by the President, and now the battle moves on to the proper implementation of this law. A number of people worked hard for this bill and its enactment is a victory for us all.
It is said that we do not own our memories, but our memories own us. My memory of Dinggoy inspired me in this fight for affordable medicines. It will continue to do so as we work for quality education and better governance through transparency, integrity and accountability. I only ask that you support this measure and join me in ensuring that every provision will be implemented correctly.
Thank you for taking a few moments to read this. I have attached a brief summary of what the medicines act seeks to do. I would be happy to hear your thoughts on it, or on any other concern, for that matter.
Thank you again and all the best,
M.
