Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent the proposed law establishing the indemnification fund for COVID-19 vaccine beneficiaries.
The indemnity fund bill which is currently pending in Congress is seeking the provision of sufficient government fund to address the needs of vaccine beneficiaries who will be suffering adverse effects.
Galvez disclosed that documents have been accomplished for the vaccine doses coming from the COVAX Facility and they are now only waiting for the signing of indemnification agreement.
“Nandoon po sa Congress ang ball at saka po nandoon po sa WHO. Nasa Senado po ang ball po ngayon kaya po nakiusap po kami kay Senator Tito Sotto at saka po kay SBG (Senator Bong Go) na talagang mauuna po talaga ‘yong ano, ‘yong indemnification clause (The ball is with the Congress and WHO. It is at the Senate, that is why we asked Sen. Sotto and SBG to prioritize the indemnification clause),” Galvez shared.
Senator Bong Go said it is currently at the committee level but talks are already ongoing to have it certified as urgent.
“Kung magkasundo na po sa indemnification agreement, wala na po tayong hadlang kasi mayroon na po tayong preparation (with an indemnification agreement, there will be no longer be any hindrance because we have preparations),” Galvez assured.
“Darating po ‘yong more or less mga 1 million to 3 million po na ano po natin sa March, March at saka po ‘yong February ay ‘yon pong COVAX at saka po ‘yong Sinovac (The more or less 1 to 3 million [doses] will arrive in March while those from COVAX and Sinovac will arrive this February),” Galvez confirmed.
Meanwhile, President Duterte wants to ensure that the public is fully informed of the government’s national vaccination plan.
“I have requested Secretary Galvez and Secretary Roque… Sila ang magdala sa (they will focus on) public information and it should be given twice a day— twice a week rather… para (so) you will be better informed of what government is doing,” he said. – Report from Mela Lesmoras#
