Moreno releases P38.4M as advance payment for 800K doses of AstraZeneca jab

Photo from the Office of Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso

MANILA, Philippines — Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso on Friday authorized the release of P38.4 million to make a 20-percent advance payment for the acquisition of 800,000 doses of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine.

“Fortunately, the national government allowed LGUs to fast-track the procurement process. I am thankful for that,” the local chief executive said in a statement.

Moreno noted that the Government Procurement Reform Act only allows advance payment equivalent to a maximum of 15 percent of the cost of government-financed projects.

But on Thursday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed a memorandum order that allows LGUs to exceed the 15 percent limit on advanced payments for the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines.

Last month, the city government signed a tripartite agreement with AstraZeneca and the National Task Force against Covid-19 for the procurement of the jabs.

Since the vaccine developed by the British–Swedish pharmaceutical firm requires two doses per person, the quantity ordered by the LGU from AstraZeneca stands to benefit 400,000 residents of Manila City.

“Vaccination is the solution for the nation. So, the key to the city’s economic recovery is mass vaccination against Covid-19. Kapag may bakuna na, makakagalaw na ulit ang mga tao (Once there is a vaccine, people can move around again). Businesses can reopen and those who lost their jobs can once again go out and seek employment,” Moreno said.

The LGU has set up at least 18 vaccination sites that would each accommodate 1,000 people a day.

The city government has also set up manilacovid19vaccine.com where people can pre-register for the Covid-19 vaccination. Over 88,000 people have pre-registered for the inoculation drive as of Thursday, February 18, according to the Manila Public Information Office.

In December, Moreno said they will raise as much as P1 billion to procure Covid-19 vaccines for Manila City residents. This amount will be on top of the P250 million it already earmarked for the acquisition of Covid-19 vaccines this year.

KGA