Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairperson Benhur Abalos has coordinated with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to start the investigation on the reported selling of COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine slots in some areas in the NCR.
In a Laging Handa public briefing on Monday (May 24), MMDA Chair Abalos warned the individuals involved in the illegal act.
“They will be liable of 3 crimes at least, estafa for fraudulent acts – direct bribery of any public officer who will agree to perform any act constituting a crime, pati po yung taong kumukuha ang tawag dito ay principal by inducement,” he warned.
Abalos assured that they will not tolerate the said wrongdoing and will not hesitate to file a case against the involved individuals, even those who bought the vaccines or slots.
Moreover, the NBI guaranteed their preparation for the said investigation.
“Hindi pa siya substantiated, dapat i-confirm muna kung nag-e-exist talaga tapos titingnan natin kung anong location? Ano ang cities involved or sino ang involved? May mga victims na ba? May nag-avail na ba? ‘Yun na muna ang titingnan namin,” NBI Cybercrime Division Chief Atty. Vic Lorenzo said.
The Department of Health (DOH) also coordinated with the local government units (LGUs) for the investigation.
Furthermore, the Palace reiterated that the COVID-19 vaccines are free of charge.
“Wala pong bakuna na ibinebenta, dahil wala pa pong bakuna na binigyan ng commercial use. Kaya po hindi dapat ibenta ang mga bakuna ay dahil iyan pong lahat na ‘yan ay nasa emergency use pa lang…Kapag kayo po ay nahuling nagbebenta ng bakuna na wala pang commercial use ay pupuwede po kayong makulong. At iyon naman pong nagbebenta ng slot, ‘yan po ay ipinagbabawal din natin,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque cautioned.
Meanwhile, City of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso passed an ordinance wherein selling of COVID-19 vaccines is prohibited. – Report from Kenneth Paciente/NGS-rir
Watch full report from Kenneth Paciente:
