Rappler
House panel OKs bills allowing LGUs to directly buy COVID-19 vaccines
House Bill 8648, filed by Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and others, seeks to allow local government units (LGUs) to directly purchase COVID-19 vaccines from manufacturers.
This proposed measure aims to exempt LGUs from compliance with procurement requirements under the Government Procurement Reform Act and waive the requirement for Phase IV trials for vaccines.
The bill also proposes to allow LGUs to procure other necessary supplies and equipment for vaccine distribution and storage without public bidding.
The House committee on appropriations has approved in principle the bills that would empower LGUs to buy vaccines straight from manufacturers.
A consolidated version of two House bills, including Velasco's HB 8648, is set to be further amended before formal committee approval and sponsorship in the House plenary.
This legislative move is intended to expedite the vaccination process and achieve herd immunity, recognizing the crucial role of LGUs in protecting their constituents and contributing to economic recovery.
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The House Committee on Ways and Means has approved tax exemptions for COVID-19 vaccines to be directly purchased by local government units (LGUs).
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The Palace is confident Congress will approve amendments to the Government Procurement Law to allow local government units (LGUs) to purchase COVID-19 vaccines.
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Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri clarified that Senate Bill 2042, which allows local government units (LGUs) to purchase COVID-19 vaccines, will not give LGUs precedence over the national government in procurement.
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Senator Bong Go will urge President Rodrigo Duterte to certify the proposed COVID-19 Vaccine Indemnification Fund Law as urgent.
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The Senate aims to approve the measure seeking to establish a vaccine indemnity fund and expedite the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines on second and third final reading on Monday.
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