Duterte, Robredo spar over Sinovac vaccine requirements

President Rodrigo Duterte accused Vice President Leni Robredo of spreading a "half-truth" that he claims has increased public doubt about the Sinovac vaccine.

Duterte argued that Robredo incorrectly suggested the Sinovac vaccine required a recommendation from the health technology assessment council (HTAC), stating it only needed emergency use authorization (EUA).

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III initially supported Duterte's claim, explaining that the Universal Health Care Law's provision for HTAC recommendations applies only to investments, not donated items.

However, Duque later clarified that an HTAC recommendation is indeed required for any government purchase of vaccines or other health products, as stated in Section 34 of the Universal Health Care law.

While the first 600,000 Sinovac doses may be exempt from this rule as they were donated, any vaccine subsequently purchased by the government, such as an additional one million Sinovac doses, would require an HTAC recommendation.