ANAKALUSUGAN party-list Rep. Michael Defensor said there are some Cabinet members, doctors, police and military taking Ivermectin to protect themselves against coronavirus disease COVID-19.

In a statement, Defensor said he respects the Philippine National Police (PNP) task of investigating the distribution of Ivermectin.

It can be recalled that Defensor and Sagip party-list Rep. Rodante Marcoleta spearheaded the distribution of Ivermectin, a known anti-parasitic drug but was reportedly effective against COVID-19, in some barangays in Quezon City.

Because the drug has not been approved fbythe Food and Drugs Administration, its distribution is illegal the reason why the PNP has launched its investigation.

“I completely understand that they are just following orders,” Defensor said referring to the policemen investigating the issue.

“Also, they can avail of IVERMECTIN from me anytime for their protection. Alam ko na gusto rin nila at ng kanilang pamilya ng proteksyon,” the solon added.

He even disclosed that “Everyone from the cabinet, doctors, police and military officials are drinking IVERMECTIN.”

“I know that those who synphatize will not deny the poor access to the IVERMECTIN drug,” he added.

Meanwhile, the FDA announced that the number of hospitals given compassionate use permit (CSP) was increased to six.

With the CSP, hospitals can use human-grade Ivermectin to treat COVID-19 patients.

FDA Director General Eric Domingo declined to name these private hospitals but he reminded them that the drug cannot be sold commercially because the CSP is not a marketing authorization.

Defensor said he is pushing for Ivermectin because poor patients wanted access to inexpensive therapeutic to fight COVID 19.

According to Defensor a tablet of Ivermectin only costs P35 as compared to Remdesivir that cost P12,000 to P48,000 per vial. A COVID-19 patient with critical condition needs at least two vials a day.