Drilon doubts Duterte's vaccine indemnity fund stance

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon expressed disbelief regarding President Rodrigo Duterte's apparent rejection of the government's vaccine indemnity fund, a provision Duterte himself certified as urgent and signed into law.

Drilon highlighted that the indemnity clause was proposed by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and IATF Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., with Drilon himself amending it to include manufacturer liability for gross negligence or willful misconduct.

A P500 million indemnity fund was established under the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 to compensate individuals inoculated through the program in cases of death, permanent disability, or adverse side effects.

House Deputy Minority Leader Carlos Isagani Zarate warned that Duterte's refusal to protect vaccine manufacturers could jeopardize the country's vaccination program.

Administration and opposition lawmakers reminded President Duterte that the government's indemnification responsibility is enshrined in Republic Act No. 11525, the COVID-19 Vaccination Law.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte-Salceda clarified that Duterte's statement on indemnification should be taken only in the context of RA 11525, noting the P500 million fund hedges the government from unwarranted fiscal risks.