MANILA – The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine bill is now up for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature after it was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
The Senate who first passed the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, which would provide the indemnification fund and clause required for COVID-19 vaccines expected to arrive in the country. The House of Representatives adopted the Senate’s version of the measure.
Under the measure, a P500-million COVID-19 National Vaccine Indemnity Fund sourced from the Contingent Fund under the 2021 national budget will be created and will be administered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
The Department of Health (DOH) would be tasked to issue vaccine cards that contain basic information about the individual; the manufacturer and brand of the vaccine administered; date of vaccination; date of last swab test; and the name of the facility where the vaccine was received and also the health professionals who administered the vaccine.
The bill also stated that national government, local government units (LGUs), and the private sectors will be allowed to procure COVID-19 vaccines through the DOH and National Task Force Against COVID-19.
LGUs will be permitted to give an advance payment of up to 50 percent. They are also authorized to directly buy ancillary supplies for the storage, transportation, and deployment of vaccines.
“With this measure, we hope to see the start of the inoculation of our population, starting with the priority sectors at the shortest possible time,” Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara said.
Malacañang, meanwhile, welcomed the passage of the measure, certified as urgent by Duterte last week.
“Nagpapasalamat po tayo sa liderato ng Kongreso at ng Senado dahil sa kanilang mabilis na pagtugon sa hamon ng panahon. Record time po ata napasa ito… Kapag yan nakarating sa Malacañang sigurado naman po pipirmahan yan ng ating Presidente,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Wednesday./PN
