MANILA, Philippines—Senate President pro tempore Ralph Recto urged the Philippine International Trading Corporation to suspend implementing its customary 1-4 percent service fee when it comes to the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Recto said in a statement that the government can save money, which can then be used to assist in livelihood programs, if the PITC waives its commission in buying the vaccines.
“This is not the time to reap a pandemic windfall. When private corporations are waiving fees and writing off interests, a state agency should avoid being accused of disaster profiteering,” said Recto in a statement Wednesday.
“It could potentially earn hundreds of millions in commission for what is essentially an easy ‘pasabuy’ gig.”
Pfizer, the American pharmaceutical company that has made a breakthrough in COVID-19 vaccine creation, assured that it will have a steady supply for the Philippines once it is approved for distribution.
Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez, the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, said the cost of the Pfizer vaccine shot is at $5 or P240.
Recto noted that if the PITC does away with its commission, the government can then use the money to purchase personal protective equipment for hospital workers or manufacture modules for the students during distance learning.
Nevertheless, the senator is confident that the PITC will agree to his proposal with the secretaries of the Department of Trade Industry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and National Economic and Development Authority also expected to be on board with his suggestion.
“If citizens and corporations alike are volunteering their services, equipment and facilities for free, a government corporation should do no less, and has no choice but to follow the bayanihan example,” said Recto.
“The “no commission” rule can be written as a Special Provision in the General Appropriations Act for 2021, which I am sure will pass muster in the Senate, concurred by the House, and risks no veto from the President.”