ABS-CBN
Duque denies causing delay in access to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III defended himself against accusations that he delayed the Philippines' early access to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
Duque stated that the confidentiality disclosure agreement (CDA) initially had to go through reiterations to ensure provisions were not "onerous and disadvantageous."
He clarified that Pfizer never promised 10 million doses upon signing the CDA, clarifying that figures were indicative and there was no definitive supply.
The vaccine czar, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., had informed Duque about potential manufacturing issues due to a lack of raw materials.
Duque himself signed the CDA on October 20, after the Executive Secretary's Office advised the DOH to be the signatory on September 24.
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Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's inaction caused the Philippines to miss out on a January 2021 delivery of 10 million Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.
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President Rodrigo Duterte saw "no major lapse" in the country's negotiations with Pfizer for COVID-19 vaccines, with Malacañang stating that the ongoing talks mean it is not a major issue.
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Senate President Vicente Sotto III believes Health Secretary Francisco Duque III need not explain his side regarding the failed procurement of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, as he is convinced Duque was at fault.
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Senator Manny Pacquiao urged Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to be replaced due to his alleged failure to secure COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer by January, which Pacquiao claims caused the Philippines to miss its chance for an early vaccine delivery.
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The Department of Health (DOH) has defended its timeline for securing COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, refuting claims that the government missed an opportunity for an earlier acquisition.
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