Manila Bulletin
Duterte still trusts Duque; DOH head must reply to allegations on vaccine procurement -- Roque
Senator Manny Pacquiao urged Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to be replaced due to his alleged failure to secure COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer by January, which Pacquiao claims caused the Philippines to miss its chance for an early vaccine delivery.
Pacquiao also stated that Duque is "embarrassing" President Duterte and that replacing him could "allay the concerns of our countrymen."
Malacañang confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte continues to trust Duque, with presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stating that all Cabinet members serve at the President's pleasure.
Roque mentioned that the President wants Duque to respond to accusations of "dropping the ball" by not acting quickly in signing the Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA) with Pfizer.
Duque defended his actions by stating that he chose to "err on the side of caution" as Pfizer did not disclose vaccine data without a CDA.
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Senate President Vicente Sotto III believes Health Secretary Francisco Duque III need not explain his side regarding the failed procurement of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, as he is convinced Duque was at fault.
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Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III's inaction caused the Philippines to miss out on a January 2021 delivery of 10 million Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines.
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Health Secretary Francisco Duque III defended himself against accusations that he delayed the Philippines' early access to the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
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President Rodrigo Duterte has not yet been vaccinated against COVID-19, with his doctors advising against inoculation due to the absence of an FDA-approved vaccine in the Philippines.
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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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