Chiz pushes FDA overhaul to strengthen consumer protection

CEBU CITY — Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero is pushing for an overhaul of the country’s product regulatory system, proposing that some functions currently handled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) be transferred to government agencies with more specialized expertise.

Escudero filed Senate Bill No. 2310, or the proposed Product Regulatory System Reform Act, which seeks to streamline product regulation, reduce bureaucratic delays and strengthen consumer protection through a science-based and risk-informed approach.

“Product regulation efficiency is critical for promoting public health and safety, and for protecting consumers from trade malpractices and from substandard or hazardous products,” Escudero said in the bill’s explanatory note.

Under the proposed measure, the regulation of raw and unprocessed food products would be transferred to the Department of Agriculture (DA), while processed food, cosmetics and other consumer products would be placed under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Other products may also be reassigned to specialized government agencies based on their risk profile and the agencies’ respective mandates.

Escudero said the proposed realignment is intended to place regulatory responsibilities under agencies with the technical expertise and institutional capacity best suited to oversee specific products.

The measure would also require agencies to coordinate with one another to prevent overlapping functions, eliminate duplication and improve the delivery of regulatory services.

The senator said the country needs to update its product regulatory framework as technology, markets and consumer products continue to evolve.

He cited rapid technological advances, increasingly complex products, changing local and global markets and emerging public health risks as factors requiring a more responsive regulatory system.

Escudero said the current system has faced long-standing overlaps and delays that can affect both consumers and businesses.

The proposed reforms are also intended to clarify government responsibilities in verifying product quality and ensuring compliance with technical and manufacturing standards—functions that consumers cannot reasonably be expected to perform on their own.

To prevent disruptions during the transition, the bill provides that existing permits, registrations and authorizations would remain valid until their expiration.

Pending applications and enforcement proceedings would also continue under the agency that assumes the relevant regulatory function.

Escudero said the proposed overhaul is aimed at creating a more coordinated and efficient regulatory system while maintaining strong safeguards for public health and consumer welfare.

The senator also said the reforms could help create a regulatory environment that supports innovation and investment without compromising product safety.

The proposed measure is expected to reshape how different categories of products are regulated by matching regulatory responsibilities with the government agencies best equipped to address their specific risks and technical requirements.