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December 13, 2021

FDA among top 5 worst performing agencies, says ARTA: Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri says that in a meeting with the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA), he learned that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is one of the Top 5 worst performing agencies in the country. Zubiri made this statement during the hybrid plenary session Monday, December 13, 2021, when an amendment was proposed by Sen. Pia Cayetano to require sellers of vaporized nicotine products to also register with FDA, apart from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Securities and Exchange Commission to Senate Bill No. 2239 or the Vaporized Nicotine Products Regulation Act. While he agrees that when it comes to health standards, FDA should be part of the implementing rules and regulations, Zubiri said vapor vendors would have a hard time waiting for the release of permits if they would be required to register with said agency. “By the way, in comparison, the DTI is the no. 1 best performing in terms of consumer index and consumer awareness in the country. Just to put that in perspective, Mr. President,” Zubiri said. (Albert Calvelo/ Senate PRIB)

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