Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Luis Go faces Senate probe on the alleged “multi-level” marketing schemes leveled against the company. Screengrab from the Senate hearing
MANILA, Philippines – Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. denied allegations hurled against the company, stressing that it is a “law-abiding pharmaceutical entity” and “adhering” to all government regulations.
On Tuesday, officials of the controversial drug firm faced the Senate committee on health to answer accusations that they were giving luxury gifts and huge commissions to doctors who prescribed the company’s medicines.
Bell-Kenz Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Luis Go said these allegations were baseless.
“Mr. chair, in recent days, our company has been found itself instead in a web of misinformation propagated through various media channels,” Go said during the hearing of the Senate committee on health.
“I stand before this august assembly to vehemently refute these baseless allegations and to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to integrity and compliance,” he said.
Go then proceeded to tell the “truth” about their company.
“We are a law-abiding pharmaceutical entity, diligently adhering to all regulations set forth by the FDA, the SEC, the PMA and other relevant governing bodies,” the drug firm chief continued.
FDA is the Food and Drug Administration, SEC is the Securities and Exchange Commission, and PMA is the Philippine Medical Association, which Go has all mentioned.
Also, contrary to insinuations that their products are expensive, Bell-Kenz said they sell medicines at a lower cost than other brands.
Despite Bell-Kenz’s defense, however, Go was still threatened with detention by Senator Raffy Tulfo. The senator categorically asked about the alleged huge commissions the company gives to doctors.
“Would you admit or deny yung may mga doctor na pasok sa MLM (multi-level marketing) ninyo ay nakatanggap ng commission? Yes or no?” asked Tulfo.
(Would you admit or deny whether doctors involved in your MLM (multi-level marketing) have received commissions? Yes or no?)
“I deny [it],” Go answered.
“Makukulong ka ngayon,” Tulfo said, adding that he was in possession of evidence supposedly showing that the company issued checks to doctors.
(You will be imprisoned today.)
“Yari ka ngayon. Kulong ka. You’re under oath. Binigyan kita ng tsansa,” the senator added.
(You’re in trouble now. You’re going to jail. You’re under oath. I gave you a chance.)
Tulfo repeated his question but received the same answer from the pharma firm’s official.
“It’s not true, po,” Go said.
Tulfo later inquired with the committee if the detention area in the Senate is available for Go.
“Ipapa-detain natin itong si Mr. Go dahil under oath, nagsinungaling. And I will show you proof na sya po ay nagsinungaling,” the senator said.
(We will detain Mr. Go because he lied under oath. And I will show you proof that he lied.)
Later in the hearing, Go admitted that Bell-Kenz gave incentives and support to doctors so their brand would be included in generic prescriptions.
“We give them continuing medical education locally and abroad, and sometimes we also provide them with clinic equipment,” he said.