Rodriguez urges gov't to let LGUs buy COVID-19 vaccines

Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez is urging the national government to allow local government units (LGUs) to directly purchase COVID-19 vaccines from manufacturers.

Rodriguez filed House Resolution 1460, citing that current red tape delays LGU efforts to protect their constituents.

The resolution also calls for private companies to be allowed to procure vaccines for their employees.

Under the 2021 national budget, only P72.5 billion is allocated for vaccine procurement, which would cover at most 30% of the population, hindering herd immunity.