Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. reported that the government allegedly missed the opportunity to get 50 million syringes.
On Locsin’s Twitter account, he said that the need for syringes was discussed in Washington DC, but Philippine agencies refused to discuss details about it.
According to the secretary, the government previously missed the acquisition of Pfizer, followed by Moderna and now the syringe.
“We dropped the ball again; this time offer of 50 million syringes. Discussed the need in Washington DC and got a response prepared to go into details with PH agencies, but they refused to discuss the ball, let alone catch it. First Pfizer, then Moderna. Ok, I see the pattern,” said Locsin on his Twitter account.
Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo Lacson commented that the government should have listened to Locsin even if they no longer appreciated his efforts.
In response, Locsin said that he did not expect anyone to listen to him, but he now knew that he should not waste time and embarrass himself.
In December 2020, Locsin also revealed that the Philippines was supposed to get 10 million doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine delivery in January but someone “dropped the ball.”
PH ‘drops the ball’ again; 50 million syringes offer from US wasted – Locsin
Lacson then hinted who “dropped the ball” on Pfizer vaccines, adding the “coach” should replace the “captain ball.”
“Mr Secretary, who dropped the ball? We couldn’t care less if he’s your captain ball. Huddle with your coach to replace him immediately. This is one game we can’t lose,” Lacson tweeted.
When asked by GMA News Online to name who he is referring to, Lacson just said: “I think you can figure that out. As I said, he’s the captain ball. He keeps dropping the ball, but he stays in the game. The coach refuses to replace him. Wonder of wonders!”
Meanwhile, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a news conference that he had “no idea who dropped the ball.”
It turned out that they were referring to Health Secretary Francisco Duque who later explained why the country did not get the Pfizer vaccines as early as January. Senators also filed resolutions for Duque to resign. However, the DOH chief said he would stay as long as President Duterte wants him to.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.