Philippines to probe use of illegal Covid vaccines
Chinese vaccines have been smuggled into the country, it has been claimed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Philippines health ministry said on Wednesday it will investigate the illegal use of unauthorised Covid-19 vaccines after a presidential advisor admitted to receiving shots of a Sinopharm vaccine smuggled into the country.
Ramon Tulfo, a celebrity radio and television host and special envoy to China, revealed in his newspaper column on 20 February, and again in an interview with One News that he received a dose in October from a batch that was also used by President Rodrigo Duterte’s security detail.
“I got hold of vaccines from a friend who smuggled it into the country,” Tulfo told One News.
News last month of Duterte’s bodyguard unit taking the vaccine, which it said was without the president’s knowledge, prompted criticism from lawmakers about privileged access and flouting of laws.
Several government officials also received Sinopharm shots, Tulfo said, adding to speculation that vaccines were available on the black market.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of the Sinopharm vaccine, making its importation and distribution illegal. Sinopharm has not sought emergency use authorisation in the Philippines.
“We are investigating because it’s not good to learn of these inoculations that did not go through proper procedures,” FDA chief Rolando Enrique Domingo said.
Philippine Health Undersecretary Rosario Vergeire said recipients of unauthorised vaccines were also accountable.
Calls to Sinopharm in China were unanswered, and a spokeswoman for its unit developing COVID-19 vaccines has yet to respond to written queries.
Tulfo, 74, said he had wanted to test the vaccine’s efficacy as he was applying to be a distributor.
“I don’t feel guilty about it,” he said.
The Philippines has yet to start immunisations or receive any COVID-19 vaccines that it has approved for emergency use, despite having one of the highest number of cases and deaths in Asia.
Article courtesy of Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments