President Rodrigo R. Duterte stated Wednesday that the local government units (LGUs) are free to choose the vaccine they want to procure for their constituents.
“Alam mo totoo lang we are not forcing anybody to join the cause of the national government. Hindi namin pinipilit na sumali kayo sa ibibigay na bakuna ng national government. Ito libre at pinaghandaan ang pera. (You know, the truth is we are not forcing anybody to join the cause of the national government. We are not forcing you to participate in the vaccine provided by the government. This is free and the money has been prepared for this.),” the President bared.
President Duterte then addressed the mayors and governors stating that they have the freedom to “choose any vaccine you like to buy.”
“Wala kaming pakialam kung ano ang pipiliin ninyo. That’s one thing. Hindi kami makialam sa lahat ng bagay in the purchase. (We do not care what you will choose. That’s one thing. We will not interfere with the purchase.)” However, the Chief Executive pointed out that there is a law requiring that all procured medicine must undergo the national government first.
“Ang gobyerno kasi ang last eh. Ang gobyerno ang babagsak dito after sa bakuna ng iba, tapos may bumagsak na limang libong Pilipino, ililibing ako niyan. (The government is the last. The government will be the one to fall because of others’ vaccine, then if 5,000 Filipinos die, I will be buried.,” he further explained. – PTV News Online
