by Buena Bernal Posted on 08/17/2013 4:29 PM |Updated 08/18/2013 2:51 AM

CLARIFICATION. Health Secretary Enrique Ona writes to a newspaper that his published speech is not the final word on stem cell therapy regulation. File photo by Rappler/Naoki Mengua

MANILA, Philippines Health Secretary Enrique Ona has clarified that his speech published in The Philippine Star as a full-page advertisement should not be misconstrued as the end-all, be-all pronouncement on the issue of stem cell therapy regulation.

The controversial speech categorized stem cell therapy as part of "innovative therapy," whereas clinical trials or thorough drug testing locally may be evaded in the meantime for the sake of innovation.

It was delivered by Ona on August 12, during the 1st mid-year convention of the Philippine Society for Stem Cell Medicine (PSSCM). The full-page ad appeared on August 14.

READ: Stem cell debate: innovation or safety?

The published copy of Ona's speech was labeled with the words "Stem Cell: The Final Word."

Ona, however, wanted to dispel "any confusion" caused by the advertisement's label.

"In the keynote message, there was no mention or any insinuation that the said pronouncement was the 'Final Word on Stem Cell'," the health chief wrote the newspaper.

Not final

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