The results of the investigation on the use of the unregistered vaccine may come out after the holiday season, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday said that the results of the investigation on the use of the unregistered vaccine administered to a Cabinet official and some members of the military may come out after the holiday season.
In an interview on CNN Philippines, Duque said that he would like to defer to the regulatory agency — the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Director-General — to conduct a full investigation of the alleged donated COVID-19 vaccines that were used.
Duque also said that the Bureau of Customs may also form a composite team in order to investigate the matter to get answers on how the unregistered COVID-19 vaccine was imported, distributed, and administered among the members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
“What I know is that after the holiday, I think the results will be out or will be concluded. It depends on what initial findings will be gathered by the regulatory enforcement units working in tandem presumably with the Bureau of Customs,” Duque said.
READ ALSO: Donated Vaccines Should Still Be Registered, Says FDA Chief
When asked if he took offense that the Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had been bypassed, Duque said that he didn’t want to be “personal” about it and would be guided by evidence instead.
Duque also refrained from categorically stating whether the donor and those who administered the unregistered vaccines would be held liable.
On Saturday, President Rodrigo Duterte disclosed that some members of the military received doses of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine even if it has yet to secure an authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.
Meanwhile, FDA Director-General Eric Domingo said that donated vaccines should still go through the normal registration process.
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