[ad_1]
MANILA – Senator Panfilo Lacson said Wednesday that a cabinet secretary “dropped the ball” on the Philippines’ COVID-19 vaccine deal with pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, leaving the country behind other regional peers in terms of acquiring vials of that brand.
During a hearing of the Appointments Commission (CA), Lacson asked the Secretary of Foreign Relations, Teodoro Locsin Jr., “who dropped the ball”, an idiomatic expression that refers to the mismanagement of affairs, in the conversations of Philippines on the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer. .
“We lost the opportunity to buy him as early as January next year. He wasted the efforts of Sec. Locsin and Ambassador Babe Romualdez in that regard,” Lacson told reporters in a text message without naming a particular cabinet member. .
“You can find out who is the captain ball I’m talking about, who keeps throwing the ball but manages to stay in the game because the coach refuses to replace him,” the senator said.
In a tweet, Lacson urged Locsin not to “pass the ball” to the anonymous officer who keeps throwing it.
“I wish you and Babes good luck in your next attempt to intercept the ball,” Lacson said.
“Next time, don’t pass it on to that damn ‘sanamagan’ teammate. Keep throwing the ball. Our people need those shots,” he said.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III remains in command of the Philippines’ fight against COVID-19, while retired General Carlito Gálvez Jr. was appointed as the government’s “vaccine czar.”
In a separate interview, Duque denied hints that the Philippines is no longer in talks with Pfizer about procuring COVID-19 vaccines.
“First of all, there is no such thing as dropping the ball,” said the Health chief.
“Negotiations are ongoing (…) We will continue with the reviews of the conditionalities and provisions” (we are only continuously reviewing), “he said.
Earlier this year, several senators signed a resolution urging Duque to step down as Health Secretary, citing that he did not immediately issue a direct order to prevent travelers from China from entering the Philippines after COVID-19 broke out in Wuhan. late last year.
Lawmakers also criticized Duque for his inability to solve the corruption problem at Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth).
President Rodrigo Duterte did not heed the Senate’s call and said that Duque continues to enjoy his confidence and security.
RELATED VIDEO
Ping Lacson, Teddy Locsin, Francisco Duque III, Pfizer, COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine, health, DOH
[ad_2]