Manila Bulletin
Unregistered vaccines used by soldiers were 'smuggled,' says Lorenzana
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana stated that COVID-19 vaccines administered to some Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel were smuggled because they lacked authorization from the FDA.
Lorenzana emphasized that only the government can authorize vaccine entry and use, and the PSG needs to explain their actions for violating FDA rules.
Despite the unauthorized use, Lorenzana clarified it was not a security breach, believing the early inoculation of PSG members was "justified" as the vaccine was not fake.
The Defense Secretary mentioned he was only informed about the vaccinations after they had already occurred and was not aware of the vaccine's source.
PSG commander Brigadier General Jesus Durante III confirmed that the unit obtained the vaccines for free.
The vaccines were reportedly developed by Chinese drug maker Sinopharm.
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Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana stated that he has no concerns regarding the vaccination of some Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel with an unregistered COVID-19 vaccine.
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Interior Secretary Eduardo Año stated that the COVID-19 vaccines given to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were likely donations since no vaccines are commercially available in the Philippines.
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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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Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon believes the Senate must summon Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief Brigadier General Jesus Durante to shed light on the country's COVID-19 vaccine plan.
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Members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) were the first in the Armed Forces of the Philippines to receive COVID-19 vaccines, with some personnel vaccinated as early as September and completing their second dose in October.
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