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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Solons back plan to borrow more money, sell gov't properties for COVID 19 vaccine

Solons back plan to borrow more money, sell gov't properties for COVID 19 vaccine

Published Jul 22, 2020 01:39 pm

Lawmakers on Wednesday (July 22) expressed full support of President Duterte's bid to borrow more money, even selling government properties for the procurement of a vaccine against COVID-19.

Northern Samar 1st district Rep. Paul Ruiz Daza, vice chairperson of the House Committee on Appropriations, said funding for the purchase should be of "highest priority." 

Northern Samar 1st district Rep. Paul Daza (Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN)

"I definitely support the government raising funds through any means like borrowing or selling assets for vaccines. This should be of highest budget priority that should be included in next year's 2021 General Appropriations Act," he relayed in a text message.

He added the government should start coordinating with possible producers of vaccines "for a fair and equitable allocation in par with the larger and richer countries."

Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, meanwhile, said, "I will not even mind if he sells the most priced and prime property of the country, the Malacañang Palace ." 

Southern Leyte lone District Rep.  Roger Mercado also rallied behind the Chief Executive's fund-raising plan to procure a vaccine.

In a radio interview on Sunday,  Quezon 4th District Rep.  Angelina “Helen” Tan, chairperson of the House Committee on Health, asked the Duterte government to ready the funds for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines should it become available in the global market.

She said as early as now,  the national government should start looking for funds to ensure that all Filipinos have access to the vaccine.

Last month, Duterte vowed to procure the “miracle pill” for COVID-19 and keep an eye on its distribution to the people.

The Philippines has been in touch with Sinovac Biotech Ltd., Adimmune Corporation, Academia Sinica, Chinese Academy of Science – Guangzhou Institute of Biomedicine and Health, and SinoPharma–Wuhan Institute of Biological Products and Beijing Institute in the country’s research and development for the potential vaccine.

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