Manila Bulletin
Senators upbeat about COVID-19 inoculations after Duterte order easing procurement by private firms
President Rodrigo Duterte initially stated he would allow private companies to import COVID-19 vaccines "at will" to expedite vaccination efforts.
This pronouncement was welcomed by senators who believe it will speed up vaccine acquisition and allow a return to normalcy.
However, Presidential Spokesperson Herminio L. Roque Jr. clarified that companies cannot import vaccines at will and must do so through tripartite agreements with the government and drug makers.
Roque explained that the state would shoulder the liability for adverse effects from the vaccines.
Senator Imee Marcos expressed hope that relaxed procurement would help families and businesses reopen.
Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. believes the President's pronouncement will facilitate the vaccination of the public and their employees, potentially accelerating the timeline projected by the National Task Force.
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