MANILA — House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin has stressed the urgent need to pre-position doxycycline—an essential medicine for leptospirosis—in local government units and evacuation centers to ensure immediate access for individuals exposed to floodwaters.

Garin emphasized that early administration of the drug is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease, urging the Department of Health (DOH) to adopt a more proactive and aggressive approach.

“Dapat ‘yan magtulungan sa baba pero hindi naman nangyayari, tapos sisihin ang mga flood control projects… kung sisihin ang mga naudlot na projects na wala pa nga ay medyo mali iyon kasi nililihis ito doon sa totoong problema,” the Iloilo First District representative said, stressing that discontinued flood control projects should not be blamed for the surge in leptospirosis cases.

While supporting President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to investigate substandard flood control projects, Garin maintained that the rise in leptospirosis cases is due to inadequate preparation by health authorities.

“Dumami ang kaso dahil kinulang sa preparasyon ng mga taong namamahala sa kalusugan,” she said, adding that leptospirosis is preventable with proper planning and timely intervention.

The House Deputy Speaker reiterated that the spike in leptospirosis cases is a predictable occurrence after heavy rains and flooding, and is not linked to any flood control project.

She also reminded the public to remain vigilant against fake news and to rely only on credible, verified sources of information.