DOH: Some vaccine makers want payment in advance
MANILA, Philippines — Some vaccine manufacturers seek advance payment for vaccines against COVID-19, which is contrary to the provisions in Republic Act 9184 or the procurement law, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
At a press briefing last Friday, DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the Philippine government has been in talks with various companies around the world that are developing such vaccines.
However, she noted many companies want the Philippines to pre-order the vaccines and to give advance payment.
“There is such a mechanism. There are some companies that do not ask for advance payment but they already want to know how many vaccines we want to order,” she added.
Vergeire said the government is studying this because under the procurement law, it is not allowed to disburse government funds for the procurement of a product or commodity that is not yet available.
“But, of course, we are in an extraordinary situation... We will discuss this with the Department of Budget and Management,” she said.
The official added they will also consult the Government Procurement Board on possible exemptions from this specific provision of the law.
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