Philippines allocates P72.5B for COVID-19 vaccines in 2021 budget

The Duterte administration's proposed P4.5-trillion national budget for 2021 allocates P72.5 billion for COVID-19 vaccines, with only P2.5 billion guaranteed and the rest dependent on future revenues.

Senator Franklin Drilon likened this allocation to an 'unfunded check', expressing concern about its reliability.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque assured that the allocated funds are sufficient to vaccinate 60 million Filipinos.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sonny Angara noted that if vaccines cost around P600 each, the budget could cover over 100 million people but emphasized questions remain regarding supply and storage.