Authorities are already investigating the alleged sale of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine slots in some cities in Manila.
The mayor of Mandaluyong ordered an investigation into the issue where it was reported that COVID-19 vaccines were sold from P10,000 to P15,000.
“Pinaimbestigahan ko na talaga, number 1 sino yan pangalawa sino yung bumibili at sino yung nagbebenta. Kasi sa side namin talagang wala silang masabi na merong nangyayaring ganyan kaya humingi na ako ng tulong sa ating kapulisan,” said Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos.
San Juna has also taken action where there are also reports of the sale of vaccine slots.
“Agad-agad nga natin pinatawagan yung binebentahan ng supposedly San Juan vaccines para makakuha ng impormasyon, ngayon nung sinusubukan namin tawagan yung supposedly seller hindi na rin ma-contact. So malinaw na ito ay isang scam,” said San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora.
It has also reached the DILG, and according to Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, they will hold those responsible accountable.
“We directed the Philippine National Police through Secretary Ano na imbestigahan kaagad-agad itong reports na ito dahil this is illegal. Nakakabahala talaga itong mga modus,” said DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya.
Alleged ‘vaccine slots for sale’ in some LGUs being investigated
The Department of Health stressed that the public should receive vaccines purchased by the government for free.
“‘Pag natin napatunayan unang-una they have violated itong ating mga batas na meron tayo ngayon, dahil EUA pa lang ho ang bakuna, hindi pa pwedeng i-commercialized at ipagbenta sa mga tao. Pangalawa hindi po dapat ibinebenta ang mga binibili ng gobyerno,” said DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire.
The PNP also urged the public to report to them if there is information on the alleged vaccine slot for sale incidents.
Meanwhile, Social Weather Survey found 51% of adult Filipinos confident (18% very confident, 34% somewhat confident, correctly rounded), 31% uncertain, and 17% not confident (12% somewhat not confident, 5% not at all confident) about the government’s evaluation of the Covid-19 vaccines.
To this, 32% say they are willing (consisting of 23% surely and 9% probably), 35% are uncertain about it, and 33% are unwilling (consisting of 7% probably not and 26% surely not) to get vaccinated.
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