Malacañang stressed that private companies have always been allowed to purchase their own coronavirus vaccines but it should be done through a tripartite agreement with the national government and the pharmaceutical company.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque made the statement after the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) urged the government to allow the private sector including big companies and business organizations to procure their own vaccines.
In a radio interview, Roque said private companies were allowed to purchase their vaccines through a tripartite agreement because no vaccine was commercially available yet.
"Talagang pinapayagan po natin ang private sector pero ito po ay sa pamamagitan ng tripartite agreement (The private sector is really allowed to purchase vaccines but it is through a tripartite agreement)," he said.
"Ang dahilan po ay hindi naman po sila makakabili sa open market ng mga bakuna dahil wala pa pong bakuna na for general use approval, for commercial distribution (This is because they cannot buy it from the open market since no vaccine is approved yet for general use or for commercial distribution)," he added.
The Palace official explained noted that there were indemnification deals where the government shoulders responsibility for any adverse effect of the vaccine.
"Doon po sa kanilang pipirmahang dokumento ay nagsasabi rin din doon na ang pananagutan sa paggamit po ng bakuna ay dapat sagutin din ng gobyerno (The document that they will sign states that the liability in the use of the vaccines is with the government)," Roque said.
Last month, President Duterte signed into law the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 the speeds up the procurement and administration of coronavirus vaccines and establishes an indemnity fund for those who may show adverse side effects after getting the shot.
The measure, which the President certified as urgent, allows local government units (LGUs) and the private sector to purchase COVID-19 vaccines. It also exempts LGUs from the country's procurement law and auditing code so they can buy vaccines.
It likewise sets up an indemnity fund worth P500 million for the recipients of the vaccine who will show adverse side effects after getting the shot. The patients can claim damages without having to prove fault or negligence.