Malacañang backs probe on influx of foreign doctors in PH

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo pointed out that this probe will also determine whether there is a lack of Filipino doctors in the country. (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday said that it will support Senator Richard Gordon’s call to investigate the influx of foreign doctors working in the Philippines without permits.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo pointed out that this probe will also determine whether there is a lack of Filipino doctors in the country.

“Ang daming mga doktor na nagpupunta sa ibang bansa, baka kulang na tayo kaya nakakapasok sila (There are many Filipino doctors going abroad to work, maybe there is a lack of Filipino doctors that’s why these illegal foreign doctors can enter the country),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“Tama iyon (That’s right), he should really investigate the whys and the wherefores of this influx of foreign doctors in the country para malaman natin (so that we find out),” he added.

On Saturday, Gordon, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, called for an inquiry into illegal foreign doctors following reports on the presence of Pakistani or Nepalese doctors working as medical consultants in the country.

Gordon said this is a violation of the reciprocity requirement under The Medical Act of 1959 (Republic Act 2382) since the Philippines only has a reciprocity principal with Japan, Spain, and the US, including ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangements.

The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) is in charge of authorizing the issuance of a certificate of registration/license or a Special Temporary Permit to foreign professionals who desire to practice their professions in the country under reciprocity and other international agreements.

This probe on illegal foreign doctors comes amid controversy on the rise of illegal Chinese workers in the country.

Panelo earlier assured that government will apply immigration laws with “full force” against all foreign workers without working permits.