MANILA—Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed Senate Resolution No. 75 calling for an investigation into the surge of leptospirosis cases in flood-prone communities, where limited prophylaxis and logistical challenges during floods hinder access to essential medical supplies.

Citing Department of Health (DOH) data, Tulfo said 2,396 cases of leptospirosis were recorded from June 8 to August 7, 2025 in various flood-affected areas due to heavy rains, with 52 deaths reported.

Among the fatalities was 20-year-old student and sacristan Dion Angelo Dela Rosa, who waded through floodwaters on July 22 in search of his missing father and died two days later after failing to receive timely medical intervention.

Tulfo underscored the need for the government to establish a strategic mapping system to identify barangays with high leptospirosis incidence. “DOH should also coordinate with other government agencies and local government units to conduct a study to identify and map barangays that are at risk of flooding and have higher rates of leptospirosis cases, in order to enable the targeted and efficient distribution of prophylaxis and other preventive measures to at-risk populations,” he said.

He added that by pinpointing targeted flood-prone areas, the government can ensure faster delivery of medications and treatment. Tulfo also emphasized the importance of having on-duty doctors in every barangay health center to immediately examine patients and prescribe the appropriate medication.

“In this way, the government can ensure that patients potentially infected with leptospirosis can begin treatment at the very first signs of the disease,” Tulfo said.