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Senators seek probe of Chinese workers’ illegal vaccination
Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling for an investigation into the alleged unauthorized COVID-19 vaccination of approximately 100,000 Chinese workers employed by Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The smuggled coronavirus vaccine from China was reportedly used, and authorities are urged to prosecute those involved in its smuggling, distribution, and sale.
Hontiveros urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Department of Health (DOH), and Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) to verify if vaccination protocols were followed, as no vaccine had yet been locally approved by the FDA.
A Senate committee of the whole hearing on the COVID-19 immunization plan will also cover the inoculation of these Chinese workers.
Senator Franklin Drilon stated that the Senate must gather information on how to strengthen the FDA and the Bureau of Customs to prevent similar incidents.
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Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima has called for a Senate probe into the reported early vaccination of select members of the Cabinet, the Presidential Security Group (PSG), and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) using unregistered and smuggled coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines.
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The Philippine FDA is investigating reports that some soldiers have received unauthorized COVID-19 vaccines.
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Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe the unauthorized distribution and administration of unregistered anti-COVID-19 vaccines.
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Senator Risa Hontiveros is demanding explanations from the government regarding the alleged unauthorized vaccination of top officials and soldiers with a COVID-19 vaccine from Sinopharm.
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The Makabayan bloc has filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to investigate the Presidential Security Group (PSG) for allegedly using smuggled COVID-19 vaccines.
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