(FILE PHOTO)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31) The government has earmarked ₱838 billion for various COVID-19 response measures in 2021, ranging from medical equipment, test kits, and vaccines, the Budget Department said Thursday.
Republic Act No. 11518 or the new General Appropriations Act sets aside nearly one-fifth of its ₱4.5-trillion size on coronavirus-related interventions, according to Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado.
The Department of Health is getting ₱210.2 billion, only the fourth biggest allotment when classified per agency or sector. However, Avisado said there are more funds lodged under other agencies.
Hindi lang po Department of Health ang may budget for COVID-19. Lahat po ng ahensya at departamento ng pamahalaan ay meron silang sariling programa na patungkol dito sa pandemya, the Budget chief said.
December 31, 2020
Drilon: Senate Committee of the Whole tasked to scrutinize Covid-19 vaccine plan must summon PSG chief
Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, who admitted that some members of the PSG independently inoculated themselves with unregistered Covid-19 vaccines, should appear before the Senate Committee of the Whole that will look into the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in the country in January, according to Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Thursday. The PSG Commander must be called and must appear in the investigation of the Committee of the Whole to shed light on this issue, Drilon said. The most important who and how of the story remains a mystery. The PSG commander is deliberately withholding the basic questions of who and how from the public.
Drilon backs probe of PSG inoculations – The Manila Times manilatimes.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from manilatimes.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
FDA, DOH clueless on unregistered vaccine source, insist donated doses need gov’t clearance
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 29) The Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health are still at a loss on the details surrounding the underground vaccination program involving President Rodrigo Duterte s security personnel conducted several weeks ago, especially since no COVID-19 vaccines are allowed to be used in the country.
FDA Director General Eric Domingo on Tuesday said they are still investigating what vaccine was injected on the entire Presidential Security Group, where the unregistered drugs came from, and who administered the shots. The inoculation of Duterte s security detail came to light only on Monday. He said FDA and DOH were not informed about the activity, which even surprised Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Published December 30, 2020, 5:54 PM
Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon on Wednesday said there is a deliberate attempt to cover up the facts of the illegal inoculation of some members of the cabinet, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and the military with an unauthorized vaccine produced by China-based Sinopharm.
Senator Franklin Drilon (Senate of the Philippines / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
‘’They are lying through their teeth in a bid protect those who are principally involved in the illegal shipment of the unauthorized vaccines in the country,” Drilon said.
Drilon, a former Justice secretary, said there is no way the unauthorized vaccines could have entered the country without the Bureau of Customs (BOC) clearance.