Duterte Warns COVID-19 Vaccine Slot Sellers To “Not Press Luck Too Far”
DUTERTE WARNS VACCINE SLOT SELLERS – Amid the pandemic, there had always been bad actors trying to take advantage.
During the earlier days, scalpers bought face masks and face shields at the thousands and jacked up prices. Furthermore, some were scamming people into buying “COVID-19 medicine”.
This time, as the Philippines finally have vaccines available, people are now allegedly selling vaccination slots. As such, President Rodrigo Duterte gave a stern warning to those people to “not press their luck”.
During a recorded public briefing, the President stated:
It has come to my attention that a health worker was arrested by the NBI for alleged unauthorized or unlawful sale of Sinovac vaccines. This comes after a report few weeks ago about vaccination slots being peddled by unscrupulous individuals in Mandaluyong City
Duterte stated that the issue had become alarming. Moreover, he emphasized that he condemns these acts and promised just punishment for those caught on the act.
Additionally, the President said that he was sensitive it comes to the illegal sale of COVID-19 vaccines. According to him, pushing drugs was similar to illegally selling vaccines and vaccination slots.
‘Wag ninyong gawin ‘yan kasi . . . Nag-warning lang ako. ‘Wag ninyong gawin. Gaya ng droga, huminto kayo. Sinabi na sa inyo
Afterward, Duterte warned those involved in the act. He said that if they pushed their luck too far, they “might regret it“.
Currently, only government officials are allowed to buy and distribute COVID-19 vaccines. This is due to the vaccine requiring an emergency use authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As such, commercial buying and selling of the vaccines are strictly prohibited. As of now, over 2.8 million Filipinos have been fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, more than 8.8 million had at least the first dose.
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