AMID PSG CONTROVERSY

Lorenzana on vaccinating other troops vs. COVID-19: Huwag muna

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is not in favor of vaccinating other soldiers following the inoculation of some Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel using an unregistered vaccine.

Lorenzana told reporters on Wednesday that the policy of the Food and Drug Administration must always be followed.

"Huwag muna, kailangang sundin natin 'yung procedure, mayroon tayong tinatag na FDA, mayroon tayong procedure diyan because vaccines, medicine and food are very critical items na 'di basta-basta papasok na hindi sinusubukan ng FDA kung ito ba ay safe," Lorenzana said at the sidelines of the Rizal Day ceremony in Manila.

Lorenzana claimed that the COVID-19 vaccines administered to President Rodrigo Duterte's close-in security were smuggled as they did not pass through the proper government channels.

He said he believes that the PSG should explain their move even though it was done as part of their duty of ensuring the safety of the President from all threats, including COVID-19.

On Tuesday, PSG commander Brigadier General Jesus Durante III said his unit acquired the COVID-19 vaccines for free, but he did not mention the source. He said the PSG did its own research on which vaccine to acquire for the close-in security personnel of the President.

Durante also admitted that PSG has requested for the vaccine.

For its part, the FDA maintained that vaccines should still be registered even if they are donated. —KBK, GMA News