Senator Christopher “Bong” Go (Joseph Vidal/Senate PRIB/ MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
The measure seeks to speed up the procurement and administration of COVID-19 vaccines in the country and establish an indemnity fund.
During his personal visit and distribution of assistance to employees of Veterans Golf Club in Quezon City on Thursday, February 25, Go said that he expects the measure to be signed today.
Go explained that vaccine makers require the government to give immunity to them, thus the need for the government to indemnify those who suffer severe reactions to the vaccines.
The measure also aims to hasten the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines by allowing local government units to procure vaccines and make advance payments.
Absolute, blanket immunity for vaccine makers not possible, says Drilon mb.com.ph - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mb.com.ph Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Drilon: Blanket immunity for vaccine makers is against the law and public policy
Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon said the government cannot grant absolute and blanket immunity to vaccine manufacturers, saying it is against the law and contrary to public policy.
Drilon backed Vaccine Czar Sec. Carlito Galvez who earlier said that the government cannot agree to a full immunity for vaccine manufacturers. Galvez revealed late Wednesday that there are vaccine makers which demand full immunity but said the government cannot do so out of concerns over malpractices and willful misconduct. Under the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act Congress passed last February 22, COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers are immune from suits for claims arising out of the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, but not for willful misconduct or gross negligence, Drilon said.
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco expressed hope Tuesday that there would be an earlier rollout of COVID-19 vaccines after the proposed measure seeking to expedite its purchase and administration was already passed on third and final reading before the lower chamber of Congress.
Congress OKs bill to set indemnity fund, expedite vaccine rollout
Updated Feb 23, 2021 10:05:00 PM
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 23) The bill seeking to expedite the purchase of COVID-19 vaccine and rollout of the government s vaccination program hurdled Congress on Tuesday.
The House of Representatives adopted the Senate version of the measure just hours after senators approved it on third and final reading. The lower chamber already approved the bill on Monday.
It will now be sent to President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature. 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, Senator Sonny Angara, the sponsor of the bill, said in a statement.