Senate to tackle Sinovac vaccine preference

Senate President Vicente Sotto III announced that the Senate Committee of the Whole will tackle the alleged preference of the Philippine government for the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine.

Sotto questioned the choice of Sinovac, asking about its efficacy and reasons for preference.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III confirmed that the Philippines has secured 25 million doses of Sinovac, with the first batch anticipated in February.

Lawmakers previously criticized the procurement of Sinovac, citing its reported 50% efficacy rate from a Brazilian trial, which is lower than other vaccines like Sinopharm (79%) and Pfizer (95%).

The country's Food and Drug Administration has stated that an official and published scientific report on Sinovac's efficacy is still pending.

Senator Panfilo Lacson also expressed confusion over the government's apparent favoritism towards Sinovac, noting its lower efficacy and potentially higher cost compared to other available vaccines.

Both Duque and vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. are expected to attend the Senate hearing.