Palace sees backlash if gov't officials get first dibs on COVID-19 vaccine

Published December 07, 2020 03:23 PM By VIRGIL LOPEZ,GMA News

Opposition groups will likely criticize the government should top officials get the first dibs on a COVID-19 vaccine, Malacañang said Monday.

Speaking at a news conference, Palace spokesperson Harry Roque recalled allegations of preferential treatment for officials who were tested for COVID-19 despite the limited number of test kits in the country at the start of the pandemic in March.

“Kung mayroon pong ilang mga matataas na opisyales na nais na magpaturok para magsilbing halimbawa na wala naman pong masamang epekto sa kanila ang bakuna, we welcome that,” Roque said.

“Pero gaya ng aking sinabi po, tandaan ninyo ‘pag nangyari iyan, iyong oposisyon sasabihin na naman mayroong VIP treatment.”

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go earlier challenged

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and the government’s vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. to be the first ones to receive a “safe” COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes available in the country.

Duque said on Monday he would “definitely” do it and encouraged fellow Cabinet members to follow suit.

President Rodrigo Duterte is also willing to get vaccinated once a COVID-19 vaccine secured emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, Roque said.

“Ang Presidente hindi na makaantay,” Roque said.

“Gusto niyang talagang turukan na siya nang mapakita nga po sa buong bayan na ligtas at epektibo, ito po’y dumaan sa expert panel group nang pinakadalubhasang Pilipino, at iyan po ay comes with their highest endorsement na ligtas at epektibo.”

The Philippines eyes to begin vaccination within the first half of 2021. —KBK, GMA News

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