NBI to reach out to PSG as probe starts on use of unauthorized COVID-19 vaccines
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation will reach out to the Presidential Security Group on Monday as it starts its probe into their use of an unregistered COVID-19 vaccine.
NBI Deputy Director Ferdinand Lavin told ANC’s "Matters of Fact" that they will also look into government officials who approved the administration of the vaccine.
He added that the investigating team will also reach out to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año who earlier said one Cabinet member has also been administered with the vaccine. Año declined to name the official who received the unauthorized vaccine, citing the official's right to privacy.
President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to discuss the issue in a a late-night address on Monday, according to a report by The STAR.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said last week that he ordered the NBI to conduct a probe into the unauthorized distribution and administration of coronavirus vaccines. While the use of the PSG’s vaccine will not be the sole focus of the probe, Guevarra said the president’s security detail will not be spared from the investigation.
Lavin meanwhile explained that while the scope of their investigation has yet to be defined by the department order from Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, they will continue gathering evidence.
READ: NBI to probe entry, use of unregistered vaccines
Among the documents they will be reviewing are records of importation and records of registration with the FDA. Lavin also said they will gather testimonial evidence from those who have been inoculated with the vaccine.
Doubts on government probe
But doubts have already been raised over the NBI probe, as critics pointed out that government officials and the Palace itself have cleared the PSG of any liability.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said December 30 that the vaccines used on the PSG are smuggled, as he pointed out that only the government, through the Food and Drug Administration, can authorize its entry to the country.
Lorenzana however excused the PSG, saying the unauthorized vaccination was justified.
Presidential chief legal counsel Salvador Panelo also claimed the PSG’s action is “legally valid,” as it is in line with its duty to “securing the life of the president at all cost.”
READ: Roque justifies soldiers getting jabs of unauthorized COVID-19 vaccine
Addressing this, Lavin asserted that the bureau has been known for its independent probes. “We will do our investigation regardless of any comments that have already been made,” he said.
Lavin also said they will submit progress reports to Guevarra as they continue their probe.
“The NBI will just do its best as we have been known to do our best in any investigation. It’s for the public to gauge the NBI,” he added. — Kristine Joy Patag
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