Party-list group to push for more funding for research, manufacture of vaccines

MANILA, Philippines — The Act as One party-list group pledges to prioritize legislation to fund the research and development and the manufacture of vaccines should it win a seat in the House of Representatives in the 2022 elections.

The Philippines is capable of producing the materials for such activities, Reynold Munsayac, Act as One first nominee, said during the online Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday

“Some view R and D as a mere expense, but look at other countries: They have partnerships with major vaccine manufacturers so they’re able to produce vaccines inside their own territories. We should strive to do the same,” Munsayac said.

“We have local companies capable of producing vaccine bio-equivalents. If given enough support and funding, we have many excellent doctors and scientists who could help produce vaccines — not just for COVID-19 but for other illnesses as well,” he added.

Munsayac, a lawyer who is the former chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, said Act as One had no plan to join the 2022 elections. But on seeing the economic impact of COVID-19, the group decided to seek a seat in the House.

Munsayac said the group vowed not disappoint their voters.

“We will show gratitude with sensible legislation, through efficient governance, and through transparency,” he said.

 ATM