IBP says there is legal basis for vaccine transparency even under COVID-19 emergency

There is "compelling legal basis" for government transparency on vaccine procurement even though the country is under a state of public health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines said Tuesday.

IBP president Domingo Egon Cayosa joined calls for the government to inform Filipinos about the vaccines they intend to purchase, citing provisions of the Constitution and an executive order by President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Transparency is helpful in establishing facts, dispelling doubts and suspicions, countering propaganda, minimizing political posturing, curbing corruption, promoting accountability, nurturing cooperation, and in enhancing trust in our country’s governance," Cayosa said in a statement.

He said the policy of public disclosure on transactions involving public interest, coupled with an acknowledgment of the people's right to information, is found in Article II, Section 28, and Article III, Section 7 of the 1987 Constitution.

Cayosa said that the Supreme Court interpreted these provisions as seeking to "promote transparency in policy-making and in the operations of the government, as well as provide the people sufficient information to exercise effectively other constitutional rights."

In addition, he said that Duterte signed an executive order on the freedom of information in 2016 which recognizes "a legal presumption in favor of access to information, public records, and official records."

"There is compelling legal basis for  transparency, even under the COVID-19 emergency," Cayosa said.

"It is good to let the people know more about the COVID-19 vaccines, the decisions to be made for them, and the public funds therefor.  A well-informed citizenry will 'heal as one,' better and faster," he added.

Government officials in charge of securing COVID-19 vaccines for the Philippines face mounting demands for transparency amid questions on the price and efficacy of the shots they seek to procure.

Much of the doubt has centered on what critics say is the government's seeming preference for Chinese pharmaceutical company Sinovac, whose vaccine was reportedly one of the most expensive among other candidate brands.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque claimed that each dose of Sinovac's product would cost just around P650, much lower than the initially reported figure of over P3,600 for two doses.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. said the government is negotiating for the "best price."

But authorities have not disclosed the actual price, citing a confidentiality agreement with the manufacturer.

Lawmakers from both chambers of Congress have launched inquiries into the matter.—AOL, GMA News