Duterte appoints Galvez as vaccine czar

President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Carlito Galvez Jr., former military chief and current chief implementer of the government’s National Action Plan on dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, as vaccine czar.

Galvez will handle purchasing, negotiations, manufacturing, production, and distribution of vaccines, but he will still work closely with DOH, DOST, DTI, DOF, Bureau of Investments, and other agencies.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire assured that existing processes for vaccine testing, evaluation, and procurement will remain unchanged.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto welcomed the appointment but urged Galvez to enlist help from experts beyond the military.

FDA director-general Eric Domingo expressed optimism about working with Galvez, emphasizing the FDA's role in ensuring vaccine safety and efficacy.