Defeated bet defends Ona, organ donation ban

MANILA, Philippines - A defeated senatorial candidate defended yesterday the appointment of Health Secretary Enrique Ona and his stand on the ban on organ donation to foreigners.

Former Liberal Party senatorial bet Martin Bautista, also a medical practitioner, told reporters during the weekly Kapihan sa Sulo Hotel in Quezon City that Ona, who was handpicked by President Benigno Aquino III, is just advocating the rights of Filipinos over their organs.

Ona had said he is bent on lifting a total government ban on organ donations to foreigners, which some sectors fear would lead to organ trafficking in the Philippines.

Ona said the total ban on organ transplants to foreigners robs patients with end-stage renal failure the chance to live longer, better lives.

“Let us give Dr. Ona a chance to prove himself. The issue raised against him has nothing to do with the delivery of basic health services to the people,” Bautista said.

Bautista himself believes the existing ban on organ donation violates the right of the person to do what he wants with his body parts.

“ You cannot tell a person what to do with his organ – whether he wants to sell it or donate it to someone else, provided it does not endanger his life,” he said.

Bautista said the main problem that should be addressed by the Department of Health is the delivery of the primary health needs of the people, including potable water and health facilities.