By NG Seruela
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte warned the individuals involved in the COVID-19 vaccine sale scheme.
In his public address on Tuesday (July 6) evening, President Duterte said the reports of a health worker arrested due to the illegal sale of COVID-19 vaccines and the selling of vaccine slots in Mandaluyong City are “very alarming.”
“This is very alarming. We condemn these acts, and we will not allow perpetrators to go unpunished,” he said.
The President ordered the authorities concerned to investigate the matter thoroughly and “press charges accordingly.”
He then reiterated that the COVID-19 vaccines given by the government are free of charge.
“The COVID-19 vaccines given by the government are not for sale. They are given to our poor people for free. Not only to the poor but to the rich so they opt to have vaccinations in the vaccination centers.”
He warned the unscrupulous individuals who sell COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine slots to not “press their luck” because they “might regret” it. He emphasized that he is “extra sensitive” about the subject since the violators are depriving the public of fair share.
“Huwag na huwag ninyo kasi extra sensitive ako diyan, lalo na — lahat alam ‘yan. Lalo na ‘yong para sa mga tao sa lahat. Eh ilang porsyento lang dito ang mayaman, magsabi ka lang about four percent, three percent, six percent. Eh lahat ‘yan puro mahirap. Tayo, saan tayo magkuha? Wala man. Hindi ka makabili. You are not allowed to buy. The government will take care of that. Maski kayong mga ano, mahirapan kayo. So do not press your luck too far. You might regret it. Warning ko lang sa inyo ‘yan,” he said. -rir
