The Department of Justice (DOJ) believes that the government must be open about the information regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine procurement.
According to DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevara, “absolute transparency” is necessary especially that the lives of individuals are at stake in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine.
However, he pointed out that there may be some “good reasons” for the non-disclosure agreement. Under the procurement law, the government is authorized to conduct procurement especially during a public health crisis. A tripartite agreement is a “broad preparatory agreement” followed by supply contracts with specific terms and conditions.
The DOJ Chief then claimed that he has not seen the tripartite agreement and therefore is in no position to comment whether or not the non-disclosure provision is included. – Report from Kenneth Paciente
