Go backs Covid-19 vaccine purchase
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said the government had already set aside funds for the purchase of the coronavirus disease 2019 ( Covid- 19) vaccines and is looking to secure additional funding to expand the immunization program.
Go, chairman of the Senate health and demography committee, issued the statement during an interview after the turnover of newly acquired fire trucks and firefighting equipment at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Thursday.
He reiterated President Rodrigo Duterte’s statements that the poor, as well as medical frontliners and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police will be prioritized under the government’s plan to allocate Covid- 19 vaccines once made available.
“Mayroon pong nakalaan na budget para pambili ng vaccine. Naghahanap ang ating finance managers ng pera kung sakaling kulang pa po ( There is an allocated budget for the purchase of the vaccine. Our finance managers are looking for money in case the budget is insufficient),” said Go.
Go added that a budget has also been provided for the country’s participation in the clinical trials. Department of Science and Technology Secretary Fortunato de la Peña earlier disclosed that the government can secure access to the vaccine through the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility or Covax.
Until then, the senator encouraged the public to continue adhering to the health and safety protocols, such as wearing masks and face shields, observing social distancing and frequent hand washing, among others, to prevent the further spread of the virus.
“Ako’ ynatutuw ana ang Pi lip i no( I am glad that the Filipinos are disciplined and followed the government issued protocols). Just cooperate with the government. Para po it os a in yo. La hat po n gaming gina g aw aay para sa in yo po (This is for you. All the things we are doing are for you),” he said urging Filipinos to continue adhering to health protocols.