MANILA- Malacañang said Thursday charges would be filed against operators of a makeshift hospital at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga as it expressed "alarm" over the health facility used to treat Chinese patients.

The Fontana Leisure Park was closed and placed on lockdown after authorities found an alleged makeshift health facility there for Chinese patients. Samples of Chinese medicine were also seized from the illegal facility for verification and examination, the police said.

"Siyempre naalarma po ang Palasyo diyan," Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

(Of course the Palace was alarmed over that.)

"Kakasuhan po 'yung mga nahuli sa Fontana dahil nilabag nila yung 2 batas na nagsasabing hindi pupuwedeng mag-practice ng medicine ang walang lisensya at hindi pwedeng mag-dispense ng gamot na hindi rehistrado sa FDA (Food and Drug Administration),” he said.

(Charges will be filed against those arrested in Fontana because they violated laws on the practice of medicine and drug retailing.)

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Roque also reminded the public that the medicines they use should be approved by the FDA.

"Magpapataw din tayo ng parusa kung ikaw naman ay gumamit o kaya naman ay nagbenta ng gamot na hindi po aprubado ng FDA," he said.

(There are also penalties for those who use or sell medicine that are not approved by the FDA.)

The Fontana Leisure Park and Casino is owned by gambling tycoon Jack Lam, who figured in a bribery controversy in 2016 following the arrest of illegal Chinese workers in the facility.

It was also shut down for the lack of permits.

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