The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) leadership has warned those behind the illegal sale of vaccine slots.
The alleged “reserving” of COVID-19 vaccines and injection slots in Mandaluyong and San Juan, all costing P10,000 to P15,000, was reported.
“Sa mga manloloko, they are scammers, they are promising something not true, they are liable in the law,” said MMDA chief Benhur Abalos on Monday.
“If this is true and there are persons involved, we will make sure that the full weight of the law will be applied to them. Ipapakulong talaga namin ito.”
The mayors of Metro Manila are scheduled to meet today with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to discuss the issue. He added that there is a “good development” when it comes to identifying suspects.
The government has prioritization when it comes to providing COVID-19 vaccines. Currently, only A3 priority vaccinations are given, except for a few “symbolic” A4 priority vaccinations recently.
Those selling vaccine slots will be jailed: MMDA
According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, investigations are already underway by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the PNP.
He said the DILG is also coordinating with local government units to launch their respective investigations.
“One of the local governments even had to ask help from the National Bureau of Investigation para mapabilis natin ang pag-iimbestiga ng mga kasong ito,” said Vergeire.
“So magbibigay po tayo ng information as soon as DILG can provide us with the information on the results of the investigation.”
PNP Chief of Police Gen Guillermo Eleazar is now pursuing those behind the criminal activity with the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, with the blessing of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.
The Taguig LGU is currently preventing its residents from being involved in the illegal selling of vaccine slots, especially since registration for the COVID-19 vaccine should be free.
Those with information on the alleged vaccine slots for sale are urged to report to the police through “E-Sumbong,” an online system that aims to address citizens’ complaints within their communities quickly.