Galvez: Duterte signed memo on LGU advance payment for COVID-19 vaccines

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the memorandum order allowing the local government units (LGUs) to make an advance payment exceeding 15% to manufacturers for buying COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez said Thursday.

At the Palace briefing, Galvez said the information was relayed to him by Senator Christopher Bong Go.

“Nag-usap po kami kanina, nagkaroon po kami ng conference. Sinabi po ni Senator Bong Go na napirmahan na po ‘yung certification of urgency at saka po ‘yung memo,” he said.

“Pinapadala po ito ngayon para mapirmahan po ng ating Executive Secretary,” he added.

Senator Bong Go, a former close aide of the President, also confirmed the signing of the memorandum order.

“With this Memorandum Order, LGUs allowed to procure COVID-19 vaccines under existing laws and issuances may make advance payments even exceeding the 15% limit provided they are authorized to do so by the chief implementer,” he said.

“Indeed, LGUs are capacitated under this Memorandum Order to procure COVID-19 vaccines to supplement the national government’s COVID-19 vaccination program,” he added.

Go urged government agencies and local government heads to ensure the proper use of public funds for the procurement of vaccines.

“The President has always emphasized that while we are expediting the rollout of vaccines, we must always exercise due diligence and consider the best interests of our people. Especially in times of crisis, every single peso counts,” he said.

Earlier, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the memo was expected to be signed within the day.

“Inaasahan po natin mapipirmahan ni Presidente itong memorandum order na ito para makabayad na ng advance payment ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa pamimili ng bakuna,” Roque said.

Under the Government Procurement law, advance payment should not exceed 15% of the contract amount pending delivery of services unless otherwise directed by the President.

Bills have been filed both by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco seeking to exempt LGUs from this Procurement law provision so they can make advance payments for COVID-19 vaccine purchase. — Julia Mari Ornedo, Llanesca T. Panti and Erwin Colcol/RSJ, GMA News