Authorities are currently checking the source of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines that were allegedly sold by some individuals, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said.
FDA Director General Rolando Enrique Domingo said that they are currently coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to look into the alleged selling of COVID-19 jabs.
"Tinetrace natin unang-una yung source niyan kasi bawat lot at batch ng mga bakuna na dumadating dito sa atin, nakarecord po iyan at saan dinistribute (We are tracing their source because every lot and batch codes of vaccines (that were acquired by the government) were recorded, as well as the areas where they were distributed)," Domingo said in an interview over radio DZBB on Sunday, July 4.
"Kailangan matukoy natin kung ito ay ipinasok dito ng hindi registered sa gobyerno... o kung ito ay galing sa mga supplies ng gobyerno tapos ipunuslit at ibinenta (We need to determine if these illegally sold vaccines came from the government’s supplies or from unaccredited sources)," he added.
Related story: DOH urges public not to entertain individuals offering to sell COVID-19 vaccines
The NBI had arrested three people due to alleged selling of COVID-19 vaccines.
Domingo said that no one is legally allowed to sell COVID-19 vaccines at this point as these could only be used under the government's vaccination program.
"Nakakabahala talaga dahil nakakasira ito sa programa ng gobyerno. Kung galing ito sa supplies natin, ibig sabihin nababawasan yung supplies naka allot sa mga taong babakunahan (It's really worrying because it is putting the government's program in peril. If it comes from our supplies, it means that the supplies allotted to the people are reduced)," he said.
Related story: DOH reminds public: COVID-19 vaccines cannot be sold
Those found selling COVID-19 vaccines may face criminal charges, said Domingo.
"Napakaraming posibleng kaso. Kung ito ay smuggled---smuggling. Kung ito ay pag aari ng gobyerno na ninakaw, eh pagnanakaw po iyan sa pamahalaan (There are so many possible cases. If it's smuggled --- smuggling or stealing government properties)," he said.
"Tapos pagbebenta po ito ng produkto na illegal na unregistered. Ang vaccines, hindi sila registered. Ginagamit lang ito (Also, selling unregistered products. The vaccines are not registered. These are) under emergency use and only the government is allowed to use it or those designated partners of the government," he added.