The proposed measure that aims to allow local government units (LGUs) to directly procure Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines from manufacturers has passed in the committee level of the House of Representatives.
The said bill also targets to hasten the vaccine procurement. Under the proposed law, LGUs can only buy vaccines authorized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
According to the senators, the proposed measure needs an organized timeframe while some raised concerns that the vaccine procurement may only be used for politics especially now that the 2022 elections are nearing.
However, Healthcare Professionals Alliance against COVID-19 opposes the bill because frontliners may be left with little or none at all due to possible competition of those with more money and power.
In a hearing, Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. disclosed that 80% of the vaccine supply worldwide was already purchased by the rich countries and that the National Task Force against COVID-19 is pushing for the bill to be certified as urgent.
“Given this reality, most of our vaccines will be coming from the 3rd quarter and 4th quarter. We have a very limited vaccines during the 1st quarter.” – Report from Daniel Manalastas
