No one ‘dropped the ball’ on the possible deal for 50 million syringes — Dizon

MANILA, Philippines — No one dropped the ball on the possible deal for 50 million syringes, presidential adviser for COVID-19 response Secretary Vince Dizon said on Tuesday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier said that the government “dropped the ball” for an offer of 50 million syringes.

“Tingin ko naman po, very clear naman po na wala naman pong nag-drop ng ball. Siguro nagkaroon lang po ng miscommunication,” Dizon remarked during the Laging Handa briefing.

(I think it is very clear that no one dropped the ball. Maybe there was just a miscommunication.)

“Pero I think cinlarify na po ito ng DOH (Department of Health) na in touch po sila sa lahat ng mga gustong sumali sa procurement ng syringes para po masiguro natin na tuloy-tuloy ang supply ng syringes natin,” he continued.

(But, I think the DOH already clarified that they are in touch with everyone who wants to join in the procurement of syringes to ensure our continuous supply.)

Following Locsin’s statement, the DOH and the National Task Force Against COVID-19 assured that they are working to ensure a sufficient supply of syringes. 

The two agencies likewise emphasized that they did not reject any Moderna vaccine offer, contrary to Locsin’s tweet.

The DOH early Tuesday also said that they continue to comply with procurement rules and regulations in the purchase of items.

“We in the DOH have always been and continue to be committed to good governance, a cornerstone of public health,  more so now during this health emergency. Let us not put our health professionals down with baseless accusations,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a statement.

JPV