Duterte allows mayors, governors to choose COVID-19 vaccines

President Rodrigo Duterte announced that local chief executives, including mayors and governors, are free to choose any COVID-19 vaccine they prefer for their constituents.

He stated that the national government would not restrict mayors and governors in choosing a particular vaccine, though all chosen vaccines must still secure approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Duterte's assurance addresses the desire of many local government units (LGUs) to have autonomy in selecting vaccines, especially as cities begin signing deals with pharmaceutical companies.

While Duterte has shown a preference for vaccines from China's Sinovac and Russia's Gamaleya, he emphasized that any vaccine procured must be screened by regulators for safety.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. mentioned that the national government would assist LGUs that cannot afford vaccines and would provide essential equipment and facilities.