The National Task Force against COVID-19 (NTF) asserted that the Philippines is not left behind despite having no purchase agreement.
According to NTF Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., advanced payment is not permitted under Philippine laws. RA 11494 or Bayanihan 2 requires a vaccine to finish its clinical trial phase 3 before procurement to ensure its quality.
The Commission on Audit (COA) has been consulted on the possibility of advanced procurement. Sec. Galvez said that the implementation of the advanced procurement is through the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).
The Vaccine Czar also shared that they have been constantly collaborating with other countries and vaccine manufacturers. The NTF is now evaluating how the local government units (LGUs) can help in the procurement of the vaccine.
Metro Manila mayors have expressed intent in assisting the national government in the COVID-19 vaccination program. The Philippines aims to immunize 70 to 80 million individuals in the next 3 to 5 years. – Report from Bea Bernardo
