MANILA, Philippines — A barangay councilor or kagawad in Manila and his cohort were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Saturday for allegedly selling vaccine slots to Chinese workers of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO).
Councilor Arturo Magtalas and Benjie Montaos were nabbed during an entrapment operation at the General Vicente Lim Elementary School in Barangay 106, Tondo.
The NBI Special Action Unit launched the sting after an informant told the bureau that Montaos allegedly sold 10 vaccination slots for P6,000 each.
The suspects were apprehended after handing out the vaccination stubs to the NBI agents and receiving the marked money.
The NBI said the suspects allegedly sold the vaccination slots to 10 POGO workers.
The suspects reportedly instructed the Chinese workers to register at the Manila city hall to generate their vaccination QR codes, the NBI added.
The suspects are being held on charges of graft and violation of the Anti-Red Tape Act.
Magtalas will face a separate complaint for violating the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.