DOJ: Those who got unregistered COVID-19 vaccine liable if they bought it, promoted its use

Individuals who get inoculated with unregistered COVID-19 vaccines will not be liable under the law unless they buy or promote the use of these vaccines, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said.

Guevarra made the response in light of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa saying that he will be willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine that is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Dela Rosa also rushed to the defense of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), who admitted that they injected themselves with a non-FDA registered COVID-19 vaccine, saying he would do the same because he is in charge of his life.

“Under our existing laws, a person who freely and voluntarily gets himself inoculated with an unregistered or unauthorized drug or vaccine does not incur any criminal liability, unless he himself has caused its unlawful procurement or promotes its use by other people,” Guevarra said.

Contrary to Dela Rosa’s sentiments, the Justice chief said that FDA’s stamp of approval on vaccines is important.

“Although vaccination is a matter of personal survival, it is important that laws on vaccine approval and administration be strictly observed for the benefit of everyone,” Guevarra pointed out.

“Section 11 of the FDA law prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, transfer, promotion, etc of any health product that is unregistered with the FDA, and Section 12 thereof imposes the penalty of fine and/or imprisonment,” he added.

Likewise, Guevarra said that persons who knowingly or willfully administer an unregistered vaccine may be held liable under the Medical Practice Act of 1959.

Dela Rosa’s words went, ”FDA-approved o hindi, buhay ko ito, wala akong pakialam diyan sa FDA kung i-approve nila o hindi yan basta buhay ko nakasalalay, I have to decide for my own life.”

Dela Rosa was infected with COVID-19 and was even hospitalized, but he has since recovered from the disease.

The Philippines has recorded 478,761 COVID-19 cases so far, including 9,263 deaths. — BM, GMA News