The Department of Health (DOH), led by Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III, today signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Universally Accessible and Affordable Quality Medicines Act of 2008 otherwise known as the "Cheaper Medicines Act of 2008". Standing from left to right are Project Management Unit Manager Dr. Robert Louie So, Intellectual Property Bureau of Patents Director Epifanio Evasco, Health Assistant Secretary Lydia Fernandez, Undersecretary Jade del Mundo, Assistant Secretary Elmer Punzalan, Undersecretary David Lozada, Undersecretary Mario Villaverde, and Assistant Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial. Also in photo seated form left are Intellectual Property Office Deputy Director General Atty. Leny Raz, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ma. Lourdes Baua, Undersecretary Alexander Padilla, and BFAD Director Leticia Barbara Gutierrez. The said IRR will take effect 15 days after publication. The complete version of the IRR is available on the DOH website. (4 November 2008, DOH-OSEC)