SC scouts for other vaccines as AstraZeneca arrival remains uncertain

BASTION OF RIGHTS The Supreme Court building in Ermita, Manila. INQUIRER file photo / EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines–The judiciary is now considering other options for a Covid-19 vaccine due to the unavailability of AstraZeneca, Supreme Court’s Public Information chief and spokesperson Atty. Brian Keith Hosaka said Wednesday.

“The initial request for the judiciary was for the AstraZeneca brand, but upon the advice of its unavailability by the office of Secretary [Carlito] Galvez [Jr.], the judiciary will have to consider other options,” Hosaka said.

To date, only the CoronaVac of Chinese company Sinovac Biotech has arrived in the country. A limited amount has been allocated for the medical personnel and uniformed personnel.

“Hopefully, the judiciary will be able to procure vaccines at the soonest possible time considering the crucial role which the courts play in times of crisis,” said Hosaka.

“Our judges and court personnel have direct contact with the public on a daily basis and SC Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta would want them fully protected from the NCov virus,” he added.

The Supreme Court has allocated P19-million for the purchase of vaccines for the justices, judges, and officials, and personnel of the judiciary.

The amount came from the savings of the Supreme Court, Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Court of Appeals, Sandiganbayan, Court of Tax Appeals, and the lower courts.

JPV