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AUTHORITIES are now investigating the Covid-19 reported immunization of some 100,000 Chinese nationals working in the Philippines Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry.
In an interview with PTV on Monday, the Department of Health (DOH) said that the claim made by crime advocate Teresita Ang-See will be included in the investigation by the agencies concerned.
The Secretary of Health, Francisco Duque III, said that the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), together with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Customs Office (BOC) will now also analyze the alleged massive use of unregistered vaccines in the POGO.
Over the weekend, the NBI said it will begin investigating the alleged use by some members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) of the unregistered Covid-19 vaccine from the Chinese drug manufacturer Sinopharm.
Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sta. Romana said Sinopharm is expected to apply for an Emergency Use Authorization (US) from the FDA this week.
If approved by the FDA, it will allow local use of Sinopharm’s Covid-19 vaccine.
While PSG’s unauthorized use of the vaccine generated criticism from the public for violating existing regulations, Malacañang praised it as an act of self-denial.
“They put their lives at risk to protect the President… President Rodrigo Roa Duterte thanked and congratulated the members of PSG, who were injected [with the vaccine], courage and honesty, ”said Harry Roque.
Roque, however, declined to comment on the legality of the importation of the Chinese vaccine used by members of the PSG.
The law prohibits the importation, distribution, and administration of any drugs and vaccines without FDA authorization.
Duque said that they will obtain the identity of the PSG members, who were inoculated for Covid-19, to determine if they will present any side effects from the use of the Sinopharm vaccine.
