With the country’s vaccine rollout set to begin this month, Amnesty International (AI) has asked the Philippine government to ensure the transparent, non-dicriminatory and accountable implementation of its vaccination program.

The global pro-human rights movement called on the government "to develop and implement policies rooted in human rights to ensure that COVID-19 vaccines in the country are available, accessible and free at point of care, acceptable and of good quality to all people” as contained in its new report dubbed “A Fair Shot”.

It cited snowballing concerns about the government’s preparedness to ensure that most at-risk and marginalized groups will be prioritized in the COVID-19 vaccinations.

AI cited the national and local government’s efforts to purchase the COVID-19 vaccines. 

It took note that Duterte government has allocated P72 billion (USD 1.5 billion) under its 2021 national budget to purchase around 60 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to cover the first phase of the vaccination plan, and is preparing to purchase more through loans and emergency funds. 

 Several local government units (LGUs) forged a partnership with the national government and pharmaceutical companies to buy and administer the vaccine to their constituents, it said.

"However, it is unclear how the national government will ensure that these LGUs guarantee non-discrimination and the prioritization of marginalized and at-risk groups in their vaccine rollout,” it laments. 

"Moreover, LGUs that have not yet been able to secure doses for their populations must not be left behind and must be given adequate support to ensure they have sufficient supplies of vaccines."

The global movement of more than 10 million people in over 150 countries and territories also pressed on the Duterte government to pour in resources to strengthen its healthcare system and continue to deliver other health services. 

"Investments should be made with a goal of building a more robust national health system that can sustainably increase the availability, accessibility, affordability and quality of health facilities, goods and services for all people,” it said. 

AI said the COVID-19 pandemic should remind the Philippine government "to not only update and maintain health care systems, but also recruit and train health workers, and ensure that they receive fair wages and work under acceptable conditions that likewise protect their own health, safety and well-being.”

It also described public trust in the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines as crucial element for the government’s implementation of an effective national vaccination plan. 

 It expressed concern about the COVID-19 vaccination of President Duterte’s Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel using unauthorized and unregistered vaccines in September last year. 

According to the global movement, such incident did not undermine public trust in the government’s fulfilment of its obligation to distribute safe and effective vaccines that have undergone all clinical trials and robust regulatory procedures, but also called into question the Philippine government’s plan to follow public health and human rights guidance to prioritize those most at-risk.

It also cited concerns surrounding the efficacy of the Sinovac Biotech vaccine. 

"It is the government’s obligation to demonstrate that any vaccines distributed are deemed safe and effective through rigorous trials and by objective regulatory agencies, while making such information available in a timely, transparent and accessible manner to build public trust and confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout,” Amnesty International said. 

"Amnesty International reminds the government that for vaccines to be deemed acceptable, scientific benefits must be explained and disseminated in a way that is accurate and understandable, thereby enabling individuals and communities to make informed decisions about their health.”