Senators want LGUs, private sector to directly procure COVID-19 vaccines

Senators proposed allowing local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to directly negotiate and secure their own COVID-19 vaccine deals to expedite the inoculation of Filipinos.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto questioned the national government's monopoly on vaccine purchases, suggesting that if the private sector could acquire vaccines more rapidly, it should be permitted.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon concurred, stating that current regulations preventing direct dealings between the private sector/LGUs and vaccine suppliers are a significant obstacle.

FDA Director General Rolando Enrique Domingo stated that vaccine procurement must go through the national government as products are only issued EUA for local distribution.

Domingo also explained that vaccine manufacturers would not take responsibility for their products, while the national government will assume responsibility for using a product still under development.

Despite this, senators cited the Makati City Government's procurement of 1 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccines as an example of LGUs taking initiative.

Senator Cynthia Villar emphasized the need to allow LGUs and the private sector to acquire vaccines independently to prevent economic collapse during the initial quarters of the year.