Cebu City acting Mayor Michael Rama has ordered the suspension of a clinical trial being conducted in the city on COVID-19 vaccines of WestVac Biopharma.
The local government expressed alarm over the possible implications and risks posed by the clinical trial amid the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Rama said the city government has not issued a permission on the trial. He added that the company should have coordinated with the local office despite a green light from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
The official has already ordered the local police to investigate individuals vaccinated with the Chinese product in exchange for P2,500 to P5,000.
He said they are not against clinical trials being conducted in the city, but clarified that the pharmaceutical company should have sought the local government’s permission. – Report from John Aroa/AG-rir
