A lawmaker is investigating why the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) stopped local governments from entering into “multi-party agreements” so that they can buy their own supply of vaccines even though it is in the law.
AAMBIS-OWA Rep. Sharon Garin explained that millions of vaccine doses have arrived, but many are still not vaccinated even if they want to.
“Why not give autonomy to LGUs? It’s not competing with national government. If we have the resources, why not? We can put naman safeguards…if we have access without affecting the national government, LGUs and the private sector should be allowed,” said Garin.
Garin understands that Metro Manila and neighboring areas should be given priority because there are many cases here. But there are LGUs that are also getting more and more people with COVID-19.
“Ang gagawin ng LGUs, kukulitin nila ang in-charge, ‘Hingi kami vaccines’… Eh kung hindi pala makulit ang governor, di makakakuha…Eh kung may funds naman s’ya, pwede sana s’yang makakuha thru MPAs,” said Garin.
Booster shots can also be brought through the MPA, according to Garin.
But Presidential Adviser Joey Concepcion warned that once the commercial use of the vaccine is approved, the price of booster shots will also change next year.
IATF did not allow LGUs to buy own vaccines
“It will go higher kasi ngayon, EUA pa lang… If they apply and becomes commercially available, prices may go up kasi commercial use na,” said Concepcion.
COVID-19 vaccines used to be included in a multi-party agreement with local governments so that they can buy their vaccine.
But Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri said the agreements had not been signed yet.
Concepcion, on the other hand, stood by his proposal only to allow vaccinated inside malls.
He offers an option to the unvaccinated who want to roam.
“Maybe they can provide RT-PCR or antigen test within 48 hours before entry, for those unvaccinated… We have no choice. We have to open the economy and allow the vaccinated to spur economic movement,” said Concepcion.
On the other hand, critics say that vaccines should be available first because there are still many people who want to get vaccinated, but there is no supply available.
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