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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider NTF probes alleged illegal selling of COVID-19 vaccines, priority slots in NCR

NTF probes alleged illegal selling of COVID-19 vaccines, priority slots in NCR

Published May 22, 2021 03:20 pm

The National Task force (NTF) Against COVID-19 disclosed on Saturday, May 22, that it has initiated an investigation on the alleged illegal selling of coronavirus disease vaccines and priority slots in some local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR).

(Manila Bulletin File Photo)

"The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 is deeply concerned with reports it has received regarding the illicit selling of anti-COVID vaccines. We are investigating this matter," it said in a statement.

The task force issued the statement after a netizen posted screenshots of a conversation on Twitter about alleged transactions in Mandaluyong and San Juan LGUs pertaining to the "selling" of priority slots for the immunization program using the vaccines obtained by the national government.

According to the conversation, willing buyers are allegedly offered P8,000 to be "prioritized" and inoculated with the Sinovac vaccine while the price for other brands go as high as P10,000 to P12,000.

The Twitter post immediately went viral until it caught the attention of the task force.

"We would like to remind everyone that anti-COVID vaccines are FREE for all qualified citizens. They are not for sale. Thus, the selling of vaccines or of the priority slots is deemed illegal and punishable by law," the task force emphasized.

"All the vaccines procured by the national government and are currently being administered have only been given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). They are not for commercial distribution. Likewise, the priority slots are strictly intended for the A1, A2 and A3 priority groups only," it added.

Due to the limited supply of vaccines, the national government is prioritizing the inoculation of A1 to A3 priority groups or the frontline healthcare workers, senior citizens, and economic and goverment frontliners.

The task force said Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora have already taken the necessary steps to validate the issue and address the allegations.

"It is our hope that these local leaders will serve as an example to their counterparts throughout the country, and encourage them to take decisive action when the health and welfare of their constituents are at stake.," the NTF Against COVID-19 said.

It also warned individuals who are engaged in the unauthorized sale of vaccines to stop or get arrested.

"The NTF will continue to monitor developments on the investigation being carried out. We assure the public that individuals who are involved in this prohibited scheme will be penalized," it said.

Related Tags

San Juan covid-19 vaccine rollout Mandaluyong pandemic ntf against covid-19 vaccine
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