Duque: There is no ‘favoritism’ in buying the COVID-19 vaccine

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III insisted that there is no “favoritism” in the government’s decision on which vaccine to be approved first.

Duque said all vaccine candidates will undergo a thorough evaluation by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Vaccine Expert Panel and the Single Joint Ethics Review Board.

According to the secretary, if you look at the people who lead the regulatory bodies, you can see that they have integrity, probity and competence. The country’s vaccine expert panel is said to be made up of real experts.

Duque made the remarks following allegations that the Philippines favored Sinovac more than China after the country’s failed agreement with Pfizer for 10 million doses of the drug in January.

The secretary also stressed that the DOH acted immediately in accordance with the system and protocols required to ensure negotiations with Pfizer.

Bicyclists may not need to wear a face shield

The Department of Health (DOH) is said to be considering recommending that individuals riding bicycles should not wear face shields.

The public and health experts are concerned about the possible impact if even cyclists have to wear full face shields.

According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, if cyclists are not comfortable wearing their face shield, they can remove it as long as they need to make sure they are alone and do not go to crowded places.

The health department is set to issue a joint administrative order for guidelines on the use of face shields.

National Task Force for COVID-19 chief implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez had earlier said that they would discuss the content of the guidelines.