Duque: Results of probe on use of unregistered COVID-19 vax expected after holidays

The results of the investigation on the controversial immunization of some members of the military and a Cabinet official may come out after the holiday season, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said Wednesday.

"I would like to defer to the regulatory agency, the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] under the director general to conduct [a] full investigation of these alleged donated vaccines that were used," Duque said in an interview on CNN Philippines.

He added that the Bureau of Customs may also form a composite team to investigate the matter to get answers on how the unauthorized COVID-19 vaccine was imported, distributed, and administered among members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

"What I know is that after the holiday, I think the results will be out or will be concluded. It depends on what initial findings will be gathered by the regulatory enforcement units working in tandem presumably with the Bureau of Customs," Duque said.

Asked if he took offense that the Department of Health and the FDA had been bypassed, Duque said he does not want to be "personal" about it and would rather be guided by evidence.

He also refrained from categorically stating whether the donor and those who administered the unauthorized vaccines would be held liable.

"That's part of the investigation. We'll have to get those facts out as soon as possible... As of the moment I don't want to speculate," Duque said.

President Rodrigo Duterte disclosed on Saturday that some members of the military received shots of the Sinopharm vaccine even if it has yet to secure an authorization from the FDA.

PSG commander Brigadier General Jesus Durante III admitted that his unit acquired the COVID-19 vaccine for free but refused to reveal the source.—AOL, GMA News