Duterte designates Galvez as COVID vaccine czar

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has designated National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez Jr. as the country’s vaccine czar.

Duterte himself announced this during a televised meeting with the government’s key officials.

“Pagbili ng bakuna, the negotiation, manufacture, production, or distribution, binigay ko ‘yan kay Secretary Galvez. So only Secretary Galvez is authorized to negotiate or whatever. Isa lang,” Duterte said.

(The buying of vaccines, the negotiation, manufacture, production or distribution, I tasked Secretary Galvez to do that. So only Secretary Galvez is authorized to negotiate or whatever. Just one.)

Duterte noted he wants a single line of authority when it comes to the purchase of the expected vaccine against COVID-19.

“Ayaw ko ‘yang committee, committee. Matagal ‘yan. I have great faith in Charlie to really come up with the solutions for the problem,” he added.

(I don’t like that committee, committee. That will take long. I have great faith in Charlie to really come up with the solutions for the problem.)

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also confirmed Galvez’s designation as vaccine czar in a message to reporters.

Earlier, Roque said the President appointed a vaccine czar two months ago, but refused to identify the official.

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto had urged Malacañang to designate a vaccine czar to prepare for the storage and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

JPV