Malacañang on Monday lauded Presidential Security Group (PSG) members who received COVID-19 vaccines which were not approved by regulators, insisting it was clear proof that they are willing to risk their lives to protect President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Ang mensahe po nila ay malinaw: magpapakamatay po sila sa Presidente, para sa Presidente para bigyan siya ng proteksiyon,” said Duterte’s spokesperson Harry Roque.
(Their message is clear: They will die for the President, to give him protection.)
“At ang sambayanang Pilipino naman po at ang ating Presidente ay nagbibigay-pugay sa katapatan ng PSG sa kanilang misyon na protektahan ang ating Presidente.”
(And the Filipino people and our President pay tribute to the loyalty of PSG in their mission to protect our President.)
He added that ensuring Duterte’s protection was not a mistake.
Roque on unauthorized vaccines: PSG willing to die for Duterte
PSG commander Brigadier General Jesus Durante III earlier said that nobody approached them to get the supply of unauthorized vaccines, noting it was his decision.
“We know how to take risks. We know how to face all of these risks. And one of that is the vaccine in fighting this pandemic. So at any costs I have to get that weapon. That is my call. That is an independent call of PSG and that is the call of my command,” he said.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the military are investigating the vaccination.
Roque assured Duterte’s security group would cooperate in the probe. He also responded to Vice President Leni Robredo’s call for transparency and accountability from those who received the COVID-19 vaccine.
“Wala po tayong tinatago VP Leni Robredo,” Roque said. “Wala pong takot ang ating mga PSG kung papatawan sila ng parusa.”
(We do not hide anything VP Leni Robredo. Our PSGs have no fear if they are punished.)