DOH to probe Sinovac bribery allegations

The Department of Health (DOH) will investigate bribery allegations against Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac Biotech, which is seeking to conduct clinical trials and supply its COVID-19 vaccine in the Philippines.

The allegations stem from a Washington Post report citing a court record showing Sinovac bribed China's drug regulator for vaccine approvals.

Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña stated that the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) relied on data provided by Sinovac for its evaluation of the potential COVID-19 vaccine product.

De la Peña clarified that the DOST's evaluation of the clinical trial results will be one of the bases for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in approving Sinovac's application for clinical trials in the country.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III acknowledged awareness of the report and stated that the vaccine experts panel will assess the veracity of the claims.

If the allegations are proven true, they will be included in the final report by the vaccine experts panel and the FDA.

A Single Joint Ethics Review Board will also examine the claims to ensure the Philippines is not victimized by questionable transactions involving Sinovac.