Drilon calls for P30B COVID-19 vaccine fund in 2021

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon says Congress needs to allocate at least P30 billion for purchasing COVID-19 vaccines in 2021.

Drilon believes P30 billion is needed to vaccinate 30 million Filipinos by the end of 2021 and another 30 million in 2022, aiming for herd immunity.

The Senate Committee on Finance's budget proposal includes only P18 billion for vaccines, with most funds under unprogrammed appropriations that may not be accessible due to revenue shortfalls.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri says senators agree to allocate additional funding in the 2021 budget for vaccine procurement and storage facilities, though he did not specify the amount.