The Metro Manila Mayors (MMC) is investigating the reported selling of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines and offering of vaccination slots by unscrupulous individuals or groups.
In a text message, Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who is also chairman of the MMC, said the local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have already issued their statements on the matter.
Olivarez, in his statement on May 22, stressed that the vaccines are being administered for free to all eligible city residents.
He said that selling vaccines is illegal as these were procured by the government and are given for free.
“We have received reports about some unscrupulous individuals offering COVID-19 vaccines for sale or assuring slots in the vaccination program of cities in Metro Manila,” Olivarez said.
The mayor said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the marketing or sale of COVID-19 vaccines.
Olivarez said there were reports that the vaccines were being sold from P10,000 to P15,000 depending on the brand. He warned that those who would be caught selling COVID-19 vaccines will face the full force of the law.
To avoid such an incident in the city, Olivarez said that they also implemented a “No SMS Text, No Entry” policy at their vaccination sites.