Romualdez shares blame in delayed Pfizer vaccine deal

Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez admitted on Sunday that he could have shared some blame for the delay in Pfizer's vaccine delivery due to the failure to submit a Confidentiality Disclosure Agreement (CDA) promptly.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire stated Friday that early talks with Pfizer did not cover purchase details, focusing instead on data sharing through the CDA.

Vergeire clarified that the CDA did not include vaccine supply and was meant for initial negotiations to review Pfizer's documents.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III defended himself Thursday, saying the original intent was for the Office of the President (OP) to sign the CDA, but it later shifted to the DOH after agency reviews.