DOJ: NBI may probe journalist over unregistered vaccine admission

The Department of Justice (DOJ) stated that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has the discretion to include journalist Ramon Tulfo in its probe regarding his admission of receiving an unregistered COVID-19 vaccine.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra clarified that the NBI is investigating alleged importation, sale, and administration of unregistered COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines.

Tulfo had previously disclosed in his newspaper column that he received the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine last year.

Despite Tulfo's admission of his involvement in the illegal entry of Sinopharm vaccines, the NBI and DOJ have remained tight-lipped on whether he will be included in the ongoing probe.

NBI Spokesperson Ferdinand Lavin did not reply to queries regarding the status of the probe and if Tulfo would be included.

Guevarra confirmed he was asking the NBI for a progress report on the investigation.

Both the Department of Health (DOH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously stated they would investigate Tulfo's account, a contrast to the NBI and DOJ's ambiguity.

Section 11 of the FDA law prohibits the sale and distribution of unregistered products, and individuals administering unregistered vaccines are liable under the Medical Practice Act.