Sotto: Duque need not explain vaccine procurement lapse

Senate President Vicente Sotto III believes Health Secretary Francisco Duque III need not explain his side regarding the failed procurement of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, as he is convinced Duque was at fault.

Senator Panfilo Lacson claimed the Philippines lost the opportunity for early vaccine acquisition because Duque failed to submit the required Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA) on time.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin and Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez had reportedly secured 10 million doses of Pfizer vaccines, but the deal fell through.

Duque had previously responded that he chose to 'err on the side of caution' and desired more information about the vaccine, which prevented the CDA submission.

However, Senator Christopher "Bong" Go stated that Duque should explain the snafu to the public to allay concerns about vaccine availability.

Go noted that Duque had already explained his reasons to President Duterte for not signing the deal in September, citing uncertainties about the vaccine at that time.

Duque reportedly expressed frustration at being blamed despite his efforts.