Duterte to sign order allowing LGUs’ advance payments for COVID-19 shots

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday is expected to sign an order allowing local government units (LGUs) to make advanced payments to buy Covid-19 vaccines, Malacañang said.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said the memorandum order will allow a 50% limit for advanced payments for the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines.

“Inaasahang mapipirmahan na anumang oras ngayon araw ng ating Pangulong Duterte ang memorandum order kung saan 50% limit on advanced payment para sa pagbili ng bakuna kontra COVID-19 ay papayagan na,” he said in a Palace briefing.

“Dahil po sa memorandum order na ito ay makakabayad na po ng advance payment ang mga lokal na pamahalaan na bumili ng kanilang mga bakuna,” Roque added.

Indemnity bill

President Duterte is also expected to certify as urgent the indemnity bills seeking to establish a compensation fund for those getting COVID-19 vaccines.

“Inaasahan din pong mapipirmahan ang certification of urgency nung mga nakabinbin na indemnification bill,” Roque said.

Cabinet members earlier asked the President to certify as urgent the said proposed law.

EDV