NCR mayors to discuss need for uniform policy vs. vaccine selling

Metro Manila mayors are set to discuss whether there is a need to have a uniform ordinance against the selling of COVID-19 vaccine,  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson Benjamin Abalos Jr. said Thursday.

At a Palace briefing, Abalos said the proposal was initially discussed during the Metro Manila Council meeting on Wednesday night.

National Capital Region mayors cited current laws where illicit selling of vaccines is deemed punishable, including estafa, higher forms of swindling, conspiracy to commit it, and the Bayanihan Law.

During the meeting, however, Metro Manila mayors decided to refer to their respective city legal officers some of the reported illegal selling of vaccines in their jurisdictions, Abalos said.

"Magmi-meeting po kami kung talagang kinakailangan pa (We will meet to discuss whether a [uniform ordinance] is needed). We will review all national laws pertinent to this," he added.

Earlier, the suspect in the alleged selling of COVID-19 vaccine surrendered on Wednesday to Mandaluyong Mayor Menchie Abalos, and to the MMDA.

However, the suspect identified as Kyle Bonifacio, denied the allegation, and refused to name the person who gave him the receipt as proof of purchase of vaccines.

Investigators will determine if Bonifacio, who is now in police custody, has accomplices, Abalos said in a separate interview.—LBG, GMA News