President Rodrigo Duterte clarified on Monday that the government’s nationwide vaccination program is not closing its doors to individuals who can afford the COVID-19 vaccine.
Hindi [ibig] sabihin na kinakalimutan natin ‘yung may pera (This does not mean that we will forget those who have money). You are still a Filipino and it’s the people’s money, your money, everybody’s money… As I have said earlier, na itong mauna sundin ‘yung tulong pangkabuhayan sa listahan ng DSWD (we just have to follow the livelihood assistance list of the DSWD),” he elucidated.
He reiterated that the poorest sectors should be prioritized because they are “kind of being intimidated going to the hospital.”
Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. has previously explained that the vaccination strategy will be geographical and sectoral which will first target areas with high infection rates such as the NCR and will become more specific to vulnerable sectors that include health workers. The country aims to vaccinate 60 million Filipinos to achieve herd immunity.
In terms of the remaining population, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured the government will find a way to provide access to those who want to purchase. – PTV News Online
