Duterte backs Galvez on vaccine deals amid corruption allegations

President Rodrigo Duterte has offered his presidency to prove that Vaccine Czar Carlito Galvez Jr. is not corrupt amidst questions on the government's acquisition of COVID-19 vaccines.

Duterte made the statement after lawmakers called for transparency in the prices of COVID-19 vaccines the government is negotiating with China's Sinovac.

The President cited Galvez's crucial role during the 2017 Marawi siege as evidence of his capabilities and dedication.

Galvez has refused to reveal the exact cost of the Sinovac vaccine, citing a nondisclosure agreement with the Chinese pharmaceutical company, but assured senators there is no corruption in the deal.

There have been conflicting reports regarding the price of the Sinovac vaccine, with the Department of Health previously stating it was over P3,600 for two doses, while Malacañang later stated it was around P650 per shot.

The government has recently procured 25 million doses of Sinovac's CoronaVac vaccine, with an initial 50,000 doses expected to arrive next month.