House sets own probe on gov’t’s Covid-19 vaccination plans

MANILA, Philippines — The House panel on health has set its own hearing on the government’s Covid-19 vaccination plans on Jan. 18.

In a statement on Thursday, the virtual hearing will be led by panel chair, Quezon province Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan.

The hearing, Tan said, has invited Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and National Task Force Against Covid-19 chief implementor Carlito Galvez Jr. as resource persons for the hearing.

Representatives from the Food and Drug Administration, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Health Technology Assessment Council, Department of Science and Technology, and World Health Organization were also invited, Tan added.

“There have been a lot of differing opinions, mostly from non-medical experts, regarding government-procured vaccines,” she said.

“As such, we would like to hear from the experts themselves to determine facts and figures from a scientific point of view,” she added.

The hearing stems from pending House resolutions filed by Parañaque Rep. Joy Tambunting and Sultan Kudarat Rep. Princess Rihan Sakaluran.

Tambunting’s House Resolution 1227 asks the Department of Health for a comprehensive plan for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.

Meanwhile, Sakaluran’s House Resolution 1332 urges the government to lay down a COVID-19 vaccination program plan to ensure the “just, fair, and equal” distribution of the vaccines.

The Senate on Monday convened as a Committee of the Whole on the inquiry on the government’s COVID-19 vaccination plan.

Another Senate inquiry is scheduled for Friday.

EDV