Rappler
BOC: Vaccine used by military, Cabinet members had no official papers
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) stated that it has not received any official communication regarding the importation of COVID-19 vaccines used by the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
Administrative and civil charges may be filed against individuals involved if the vaccines are confirmed to be smuggled.
BOC Assistant Commissioner Philip Vincent Maronilla emphasized that all COVID-19 vaccines require a license to operate or a provisional authority from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The FDA has also confirmed that it has not granted any approval for such vaccines.
Maronilla clarified that while they check their records, no communication or instructions have been received concerning vaccines brought into the country for general public use.
This statement follows President Rodrigo Duterte's claim that some Filipinos, including PSG members, were already inoculated with Sinopharm vaccines without FDA approval.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, with his doctors advising against inoculation due to the absence of an FDA-approved vaccine in the Philippines.
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Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana stated that COVID-19 vaccines administered to some Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel were smuggled because they lacked authorization from the FDA.
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The Philippine FDA is investigating reports that some soldiers have received unauthorized COVID-19 vaccines.
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that some members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) have been vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines.
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Malacañang stated that soldiers voluntarily received COVID-19 vaccine shots, emphasizing their need for protection while performing their duties.
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