Approved stem cell

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Circular 2013-017 has banned stem cell therapy in this country. Why? What is their basis?

Stem Cell Organotheraphy is allowed in Switzerland and Germany since Dr. Paul Niehans introduced it in 1931. It has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2009.

In Germany, Dr. Phillip Janson introduced it in 1949 followed by his son, Dr. Wolfgang Janson Muller. In 2003, their practice was inherited by Dr. Robert Janson Muller. Dr. Robert Muller has successfully administered stem cell therapy to over 4,000 patients in the last 10 years. Eighty percent of his patients are Europeans and Americans, 20% are Asians mostly from Indonesia and the Philippines.

In Germany, strict licensing conditions are imposed by the Federal Ministry of Health.

There are “two” major areas of application in fresh cell therapy: the chronic diseases and anti-aging.

Medical conditions, Signs and Symptoms: degenerative disorders of the joints (arthrosis) and of the spinal column (osteochondrosis) and rheumatic complaints, neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis, paralyses after a stroke, circulatory disorders following due to disorders of the vascular system, migraine, heart diseases, respiratory organ disorders, chronic liver and kidney diseases, functional disorder of hormone-producing glands, impotence in men, seasonal and menopausal complaints, vegetative regulatory malfunctions and their consequences, depressive moods, and burnout.

Anti-aging: premature aging and age-related manifestations of wear-and-tear, general exhaustion, and lacking vitality.

The treatment has a general regenerative and revitalizing effect on the organism. It is not comparable to just short-term stimulation. The therapy makes the body’s own defense mechanisms more effective. A preventative effect against cancer is also under discussion.

The theraphy at Dr. Robert Muller’s clinic takes four days. Check-in time during the 1st day is between 2 to 6 p.m.

During the 2nd day consultations with Dr. Muller, medical records and blood test results are discussed. After that, an intravenous infusion of vitamins is given. Later, an anti-allergy injection is given. At 8 p.m., intramuscular injections of the stem cells in the buttocks are administered. A 24-hour bed rest is then required.

Departure may be scheduled on the 4th day, but patients may opt to stay for another day of rest. Dr. Muller visits the patients twice a day to check on their condition.

Getting hotter

The Cha-cha debate is getting hotter with some sources saying President Aquino is open to a change to a parliamentary system with the consequent term extensions.

In the House of Representatives, Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, his brother Maximo of Abante Mindanao, La Union Rep. Victor Ortega, Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, and Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales are all supportive of Cha-cha. The Rodriquez brothers have filed a resolution calling for political changes in the Constitution including change to parliamentary system and term extensions.

The adoption of the parliamentary system can open the way to President Aquino being elected Prime Minister, in effect, extending his term of office beyond 2016.

Vice President Binay cautioned against amending the Constitution as it might “open a Pandora’s box.” Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez is against Cha-cha.

Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat warned that the proposed Cha-cha would be divisive.

Transparency International (TI) Index

The latest Global Corruption Barometer of Transparency International (TI) showed that 64% of Filipinos believed that public officials and civil servants are affected by corruption. TI also reported that 68% believed the police are corrupt and 56% believed the judiciary is corrupt.

These results confirm that President Aquino’s anti-corruption campaign has not succeeded. More corruption is expected as the President’s term comes nearer to a close.

PAL succeeds

PAL president Ramon Ang has succeeded in getting the “ban on flights to Europe” lifted. Recall that he made representations with European authorities when he negotiated for the purchase of Airbus airplanes.

DOT Sec. Ramon Jimenez is jubilant and said European visitors will double. OFWs will be benefited as there are many in London, Italy, Germany, and France. PAL flights mean more direct flights between Manila and European destinations which are now being serviced by Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong and Singapore Airlines via Singapore and Etihad via Abu Dhabi.

Philippine authorities should now relax Immigration requirements. In Hong Kong and Singapore, it takes only one or two minutes to clear the immigration counter. In Germany, there are no disembarkation cards required.

Fifty-one million pass through Singapore Changi Airport, rated the best airport. Among their airport amenities are plenty of comfort rooms, plenty of padded chairs and availability of golf cart vehicles for seniors.

Let’s hope that in the new NAIA 1 more comfort rooms and more chairs are added.

In Hong Kong, chairs are available near the baggage counters.

Abad wakes up

After 3 years of suggestions by IMF, ADB, and UP professors, DBM Sec. Butch Abad finally gave in and announced an increase in the infrastructure budget to P400 billion for 2014.

UP Professor Ben Diokno earlier proposed P500 billion, while ADB suggested at least P700 billion.

Good idea

Joey Uy, who lost his son in a fatal car accident, suggests the following: “Let us require the car manufacturers to install in every vehicle a “breathalyzer” or a measuring gadget to trigger the starting switch of the car engine. The driver must first breathe into the gadget before the engine will start. If the alcohol level is acceptable, the engine will start. If not, the gadget will not trigger, therefore, the engine will not start.

Maybe we can impose this as mandatory for public transports and optional for private vehicles.”

TIDBITS: DepEd announced it has hired 55,848 teachers this year. 60,000 more are needed.

Outgoing Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman proposes an increase of pork barrel of House of Representative members to P100 million each.      

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista admits that AFP’s Oplan Bayanihan is a failure.

Greetings to readers Bong and Ditas Ignacio, Dalmacio Lim, and Councilor Eli Maranan of Lian Batangas.