If you tag a supposedly harmless substance as dangerous just because some people misuse it, isn’t it kind of stupid to go after the substance? Because, arguably, any substance can be abused — like rugby and paint thinner, for instance.
In his privilege speech on Tue, May 31, Senator Tito Sotto claimed that there is a “new” killer substance that may have also been used by some of the victims who collapsed and died of heart attack during the May 21 “Forever Summer” concert at the SM Mall of Asia open parking grounds in Pasay City.
Sotto presented a cannister of WariActiv, which is supposed to be a remedy for muscle pain. On its local Facebook page, WariActiv is described as “a vapocoolant that acts as an immediate relief for muscle pain associated with sports injuries.” It is classified as a “topical anesthetic,” which means it should only be sprayed on affected areas and NOT ingested.
Sotto is claiming, though, that some people have directly inhaled WariActiv. This has caused them to have laughing fits. Sotto pointed out that WariActiv could be bought over-the-counter and even online for PHP750 up to PHP1,500.
Sotto said, “At the risk of being tagged a killjoy by our gym buffs, bikers and sports enthusiasts, I have now come to a conclusion that there is a newcomer on the list of suspected killer substances that goes by the brand name off WariActiv.”
He added, “It is promoted at the Internet (sic) for people who go to rave parties and just want to be happy. This could well be one of the drugs or substances used by some of the victims in the concert.”
“Sotto endorsed WariActiv for scrutiny and tests by the Dangerous Drugs Board, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Food and Drug Agency to determine the need for protocol for its purchase,” reports Maila Ager on Inquirer.net.
