Senate leaders slam draft order restricting private vaccine imports

Senate leaders, including Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Senator Imee Marcos, have criticized a draft administrative order that would prevent private companies, particularly those selling "sin products," from importing COVID-19 vaccines for their employees.

Marcos described the draft policy as "shocking" and "downright evil," expressing concern that it puts employees' health at risk.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon also slammed the supposed draft order, calling it patently "illegal and unauthorized" and a violation of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021.

The draft order reportedly targets manufacturers of tobacco, milk, sugar, soft drinks, and liquor, as well as multinational companies.

According to the draft, the Department of Health and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 (NTF) will review requests from private entities, ensuring they are not involved with the tobacco industry, products covered by the National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, or other products in conflict with public health.