Guevarra calls for vaccine transparency

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra called for absolute transparency regarding the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, stating that lives are at stake.

He believes that while commercial aspects like pricing and distribution may be confidential, information on vaccine safety and effectiveness is crucial.

Guevarra mentioned that the Philippines' procurement law allows for negotiated procurement during emergencies.

However, he refrained from commenting on the non-disclosure provision in the tripartite agreement, noting it's a preparatory document.

The efficiency rate of Sinovac vaccines has been a point of concern, with varying results from different clinical trials.

For instance, Brazil's trials initially showed a 78% efficacy for mild cases and 100% for severe cases, but reports indicated a 50%-60% rate from Sao Paulo's Butantan biomedical center.

Indonesia approved Sinovac for emergency use based on interim data suggesting a 65% effectiveness.