Galvez to ensure prompt, efficient delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to Philippines —Palace

Malacañang on Monday expressed confidence that Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. will be able to fulfill President Rodrigo Duterte’s mandate for him to handle the procurement and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

At a news conference in Davao City, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque addressed concerns from some senators over state-owned Philippine International Trading Corporation's (PITC's) ability to deliver the vaccines on time on the basis of its previous performance such as procurement delays.

The PITC is a state trading firm under the Department of Trade and Industry.

“Wala naman pong kinalaman ang track record ng PITC diyan dahil si Secretary Galvez ang magsisiguro na makakaangkat tayo nang sapat na bakuna para magamit po sa ating mga kababayan," Roque said.

"Si Secretary Galvez po ang magsisiguro na makakaangkat tayo promptly and efficiently."

Early this month, Galvez said that vaccination could begin by May 2021 if everything goes as planned.

The government plans to vaccinate at least 25 million Filipinos for free. Priority will be given to health workers, the poor, policemen and soldiers. — BM, GMA News