Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 25) – Malacañang is calling on local government units to pass their own laws penalizing individuals found to be selling slots for COVID-19 priority vaccination queues.
This is so as to have a “clear legal basis” in dealing with those caught, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a media briefing on Tuesday, as he added the government is still reviewing which specific laws would apply.
For one, Roque said illegal sellers may be held liable for breaching Food and Drug Administration rules. Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos also earlier said they could serve jail time for committing “at least three crimes,” including estafa and direct bribery, or be penalized under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Roque added selling vaccines or vaccine slots, when inoculation should be free for everyone, would go against the principle of equitable distribution.
“Ibig sabihin ‘yung mga may pera mauuna, at mapapahamak po pati yung ating obligasyon sa COVAX facility na dapat on the basis of equitable distribution ang ating pagbabakuna,” he said.
[Translation: The sale of vaccine slots would mean moneyed individuals would be able to get priority, and this would also compromise our obligation to the COVAX facility, which states our vaccination should be on the basis of equitable distribution.]
On Monday, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso signed an ordinance on the illegal sale of vaccines. Under the guidelines, violators will face a ₱5,000-fine, up to 6 months jail sentence, revocation of business license, and a ban on doing business in the City of Manila.
Meanwhile, the local governments of San Juan and Mandaluyong have launched probes into the alleged selling of slots in their localities, with Mandaluyong mayor Menchie Abalos having also sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation.
