Manila Bulletin
Gatchalian says it’s okay to immunize PSG ‘frontliners’; says public confidence on vaccines must be bolstered
Malacañang stated that the Presidential Security Group (PSG) is prepared to accept any consequences for receiving an unauthorized COVID-19 vaccine.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque affirmed that PSG personnel are willing to face penalties, just as they are willing to risk their lives to protect President Rodrigo Duterte.
Roque believes the inoculation was a necessary measure to ensure the President's safety and health.
President Rodrigo Duterte announced on December 26 that some members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly his close-in security detail, received the Sinopharm vaccine, which is not yet authorized by local health authorities.
PSG chief Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III confirmed that PSG personnel received vaccine shots as early as September.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian stated that prioritizing the PSG in vaccination is acceptable as they are frontliners tasked with protecting the President.
Gatchalian emphasized that close physical contact is necessary for security, making social distancing impractical for protecting the President.
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President Rodrigo Duterte warned Congress not to investigate the Presidential Security Group (PSG) for their use of unregistered COVID-19 vaccines, stating it was a matter of "self-preservation."
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Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa expressed gratitude to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) members who received an unregistered COVID-19 vaccine, referring to them as "guinea pigs" in an experiment.
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Senator Richard Gordon urged the Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Brigadier General Jesus Durante III to consider resigning due to the illegal use of an unregistered COVID-19 vaccine on his troops.
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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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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can issue a compassionate special permit for experimental coronavirus vaccines for specific, small groups in the Philippines.
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