Rappler
No gov’t official has access to COVID-19 vaccine funds – Galvez
National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. clarified that no government official has direct access to funds for vaccine procurement, addressing concerns about potential kickbacks causing delays in acquiring COVID-19 vaccines.
Galvez emphasized that all vaccine deals will be conducted through international procurement agreements, with payments managed by multilateral partners and the Department of Finance playing a leading role.
Senator Francis Pangilinan had previously suggested that the missed opportunity to secure Pfizer vaccines early might be due to a 'kickvacc' issue.
This follows statements from Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. that "somebody dropped the ball," impacting the shipment of 10 million Pfizer vaccines.
Senator Panfilo Lacson, citing Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, indicated that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III was allegedly responsible for failing to complete the required Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA).
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Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. reminded the public that only the Philippine government is authorized to procure and administer COVID-19 vaccines.
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The Philippines did not miss any opportunity to secure COVID-19 vaccine doses, according to National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez Jr.
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The Philippine government is seeking a $325 million (P15.6 billion) loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to fund the procurement and logistical costs of COVID-19 vaccines.
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President Rodrigo Duterte saw "no major lapse" in the country's negotiations with Pfizer for COVID-19 vaccines, with Malacañang stating that the ongoing talks mean it is not a major issue.
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Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan believes that bureaucracy, rather than a lack of funds, will be the primary obstacle to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the Philippines.
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