President Rodrigo R. Duterte assured the public that the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine procurement will be corruption-free.
In his public address Monday night, President Duterte expressed his trust towards National Task Force against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. that he will be able to continually fulfill his duties without a taint of corruption.
“Iyang vaccine na ‘yan it’s worth billions. They say that we would need about 73 billion to vaccinate the population. Iyan, teritoryo ‘yan ni General Galvez. I have full faith and confidence that walang kickback-kickback ‘yan. Wala lahat. It will be a clean [transaction] whatever be the vaccine. Walang makikialam. Siya lang. Ang sinabi ko siya lang ang kakana niyang itong vaccine para sa ating mga kababayan. (That vaccine is worth billions. They say that we would need about 73 billion to vaccinate the population. That’s the territory of General Galvez. I have full faith and confidence that there be will no kickbacks. None at all. It will be a clean [transaction] whatever be the vaccine. No one will interfere. He will be the only one. I told him he will be the only one assigned to get the vaccine for our people.)”
In relation to this, the Chief Executive also showed his confidence in Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III. He stated that the current DOH Secretary has served the government “faithfully” for 4 administrations.
“I have not heard Secretary Duque receiving money,” he disclosed.
President Duterte challenges anyone with evidence proving that he or the cabinet members are involved in corruption. If proven to be true, he firmly stated that he will resign or make that particular cabinet member quit his post.
“Just one person, one affidavit. Walang imbento, iyong totoo na sinabi na may tinanggap kami na pera (No inventions, only the truth saying that we have been receiving money). You just bring him to me or bring him before the public (for) an announcement, and if true, I will tender my resignation as President of this Republic. That is my guarantee to you. Basta totoo. (As long as it’s true) Do not lie. “ – Report from Mela Lesmoras
