Duterte orders probe, prosecution of persons selling COVID-19 jabs

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte issued a warning early Wednesday that those illegally selling COVID-19 vaccines would be investigated and charged, noting that he had received reports that a nurse had been arrested for selling doses of Sinovac’s CoronaVac and that some are even selling vaccination slots.

“This is very alarming. We condemn these acts, and we will not allow perpetrators to go unpunished. I order every relevant authority to investigate this matter thoroughly and press charges accordingly,” Duterte said in a taped briefing on the COVID-19 situation in the country.

“Do not press your luck too far, you might regret it. That’s just my warning to all of you,” he added, speaking partly in Filipino.

Duterte stressed that COVID-19 vaccines being distributed by the government are free for all — both the poor and the rich.

The government has not approved any COVID-19 vaccine for commercial use.

According to earlier reports, COVID-19 vaccination slots were being sold for as much as P12,000 each, depending on the vaccine brand. Authorities have since launched an investigation.

This prompted Malacañang to urge local government units to pass an ordinance penalizing those selling COVID-19 vaccination slots.

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