A woman who sold her kidney for PHP 200,000 is seeking assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) after receiving death threats from the agent who facilitated the sale and transfer of the organ.
Details of the Case
Agri party-list Rep. Wilbert Lee revealed that the victim was paid in installments over six months instead of receiving the full amount upfront. The delay in payment was only mitigated because the victim personally knew the mastermind and persistently demanded her money. “The stronger kidney was removed, leading to her high creatinine levels. She now requires antibiotics and other medications,” Lee explained.
Inquiry into Illegal Organ Trade
Lee has filed a House resolution calling for an inquiry into the illegal sale of organs in the Philippines. He stated that the victim received death threats targeting her spouse and child, which has made her fearful of speaking publicly.
Pervasiveness of Illegal Trade
Lee noted the widespread nature of illegal organ trading, highlighting that individuals can easily join Facebook groups to sell their kidneys for PHP 200,000 to PHP 300,000. He believes a single group is behind these operations, as the modus operandi is consistent: recruiting donors online, housing them, conducting the procedure in a private hospital, and paying in installments.
Government Intervention
Lee emphasized the need for government intervention, suggesting that hospitals should report any transplants performed and explore compensating donors who face medical complications post-donation. He acknowledged the reality that organ donations are rarely altruistic unless involving close relatives.
Current Legal Framework
Lee pointed out a gap in the current legal framework, which penalizes only the agents involved in illegal organ sales, not the buyers or sellers. “We need to study what is the humane way to proceed here. Let’s be honest about this. Nobody donates an organ for free unless they are doing it for a relative or someone close to them,” he stated.