Displaced Filipino workers turn to selling own kidneys to survive amid pandemic Published August 23, 2020 9:21pm

Some displaced Filipino workers have turned to selling their own kidneys online just to get, by amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In a “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” episode, “Gardo,” not his real name, shared that his license as a security guard expired and he was just about to look for another job when the lockdown was implemented in the Philippines. With no source of income for five months now, “Gardo” has been deep in debt and considered selling off his own kidney to survive. “Macoy,” not his real name, who worked at a horse racing field, also lost his job. “Macoy” then decided to sell his kidneys online. He found a Facebook group where members could sell their kidneys. Once they agree on a transaction, the two parties would discuss privately on Messenger and share their real names, details of the sale, and sometimes photos of the patients. According to “Macoy,” a person could sell his kidney for P350,000 up to P450,000. “Gagamitin ko sa maliit na negosyo. Kahit maliit na karinderya lang. Alam kong bawal, pero ite-take ko na lang iyong risk. Hindi ako matatakot magbenta ng kidney kahit pandemic ngayon dahil kailangan na kailangan ng pamilya ko dahil wala kaming pangkabuhayan (I’d use it to start a small busines. I know it’s illegal, but I’m going to take that risk. I’m not afraid to sell my kidney even if there’s a pandemic, because my family really needs the money),” Macoy said. “Lisa,” Macoy’s buyer, revealed that her father had Stage 5 chronic kidney disease. He’d been going through 10 months of dialysis and needed a kidney transplant, which costs around Php 1.5 million-2 million. Out of desperation, Lisa posted her plea for help in a Facebook group. She shared that almost immediately, people messaged her that they were willing to sell their kidney. “Nag-approach sa akin siguro more than 10. ‘Yung mga nakausap ko, mga hinihingi nila sa amin ay Php 350,000-500,000 (More than 10 people approached me. They were asking for Php 350,000-500,000),” she said. 1 of 5

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