Zubiri: Bill expediting LGU COVID-19 vaccine purchase maintains national priorities

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri is sponsoring Senate Bill 2042 which aims to expedite local governments' purchase of COVID-19 vaccines.

Zubiri assured that the bill will not undermine national vaccination priorities, stating LGUs must still follow national guidelines for vaccine procurement and deployment.

Healthcare professionals, however, warned that the measure could cause a 'maldistribution' of vaccines based on capacity to pay rather than need.

Government agencies have backed the proposal, supporting the exemption of LGUs from certain procurement requirements under the Government Procurement Reform Act to expedite vaccine purchases.