DOH says no conditions given by US COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers

September 11, 2020

The Department of Health (DOH) expressed doubt on the belief of Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque that granting of absolute pardon to US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton was in exchange for access to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine being developed by the United States.

In a virtual press briefing Friday, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said: ''We have discussions already with manufacturers from the US. There were no conditions provided or given to us.''

"We did not receive any conditions as such based on the discussions that we have had with different manufacturers from the US," she added.

Among US vaccine manufacturers in talks with the Philippines are Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna.

She said all vaccines introduced in the country must undergo regulatory procedures.

"This is so that we can ensure that they are safe and effective versus COVID-19," added Vergeire. DMS