MANILA – The Department of Health has belied Palace’s claim that the absolute pardon granted to United States (US) Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton might be a way for the Philippines to gain access to a coronavirus vaccine.
Health undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire on Friday said there were no strings attached to the vaccines being developed in the US.
“We have had discussions already with manufacturers from the US. No conditions were provided or given para sa atin,” Vergeire said. “All vaccines undergo the Philippines’ regulatory process.”
“Katulad ng lagi naming sinasabi lahat ng bakuna na papasok dito para masiguro nating safe ‘yan at masiguro nating magiging epektibo ‘yan against COVID-19 and will benefit the population has to go through the regulatory process,” she added.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Thursday claimed the pardon granted to the US soldier might be a way for the country to have access to a vaccine.
“Alam ko po ang emphasis ng ating Presidente ay makakuha ng vaccine para sa mga Pilipino,” said Roque, who previously served as legal counsel of Filipino transgender Jennifer Laude.
“Bagama’t tayo po ang tumayong abogado ng pamilya Laude kung ang ibig sabihin naman niyan eh lahat ng Pilipino ay magkakaroon ng vaccine, kung ang mga Amerikano ang maka-develop, wala po akong problema diyan,” he added.
Of the top 10 vaccine frontrunners, three are being developed by American companies Moderna, Pfizer and Novavax, according to the World Health Organization./PN
