Drilon on gov’t vaccination plan: Let’s look at the sky and pray

MANILA, Philippines— Let’s just look at the sky and pray.

Senate Minority  Leader Franklin Drilon had this to say on Monday as he lamented  the  conflicting  statements coming from the government  about its vaccination plan.

“I sympathize with the sponsor, he’s trying his best, but the information is not simply coming as it should in clear language because apparently, our resource persons can’t provide clearer answers, so we leave it at that and just look at the sky and magdasal na lang po tayo,”  Drilon said, addressing  Senator  Sonny Angara, sponsor of a bill seeking to expedite the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines.

Drilon made the remark after learning that the term sheet agreements with some vaccine manufacturers would expire by the end of the month if no purchase order is signed with the government.

“That’s what our concern is because magkakagulo na naman tayo,”  he said.

READ: Lawmakers worried: Still no vaccine supply agreements

‘I mean, if no supply agreements are signed, are firmed up and the opportunity to firm that up will expire by the end of the month, I’d strongly suggest that ngayon pa lang humingi na tayo ng extension…”   the minority leader added.

When he asked if the manufacturers are under no obligation to honor the term sheet agreements once they expire, Angara answered yes.

“And therefore, our supply is not even certain?” Drilon inquired again.

“Yes, but I think as you know you’re a very brilliant lawyer, the parties can agree to extend the term sheets, your honor,”  said Angara, who also chairs the Senate committee on finance.

Drilon then asked if the government has already requested an extension for those agreements expiring this month.

Angara assured Drilon that those in charge of vaccine purchase are already “undergoing marathon negotiations this week.”

“So if they don’t come to a conclusion, then they will just ask for an extension, your honor,” Angara added.

Drilon later explained that he was just raising those questions to get answers that would  “appropriately guide and reassure” the people who may now have lost their confidence in the government’s vaccination program.

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