Manila Bulletin
PCCI urges Duterte: Allow companies to import vaccines
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is urging the government to permit the private sector to directly import and purchase COVID-19 vaccines without restrictions or conditions.
PCCI President Benedicto Yujuico stated that allowing private sector importation would enable quicker and more efficient vaccination efforts.
The business group emphasized the need for accelerated vaccine procurement and rollout to ensure worker safety, boost consumer confidence, and expedite economic recovery, especially with the surge of infections in Luzon.
The PCCI also wants vaccines to be tax-free to reduce pressure on the government's limited budget.
They are also calling on the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to accelerate its review of vaccine applications for emergency use authorization.
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Quezon City Representative Precious Hipolito Castelo urged the government to permit private companies to import COVID-19 vaccines tax-free for their employees and families to accelerate the nation's vaccination program.
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Vice President Leni Robredo urged the government to allow the private sector to purchase COVID-19 vaccines with less stringent requirements.
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Private companies are now permitted to purchase COVID-19 vaccines for their employees through a tripartite agreement with the government and vaccine manufacturers.
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The Philippines is exploring local vaccine production, with India's Serum Institute of India (SII) willing to assist in developing domestic manufacturing capabilities.
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The Philippine government has secured sufficient funds, primarily through loans from development banks, to finance its COVID-19 vaccination program and achieve its goal of inoculating at least 70 million Filipinos within the year.
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