The National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 is deeply concerned with reports it has received regarding the illicit selling of anti-COVID vaccines. We are investigating this matter.
We would like to remind everyone that anti-COVID vaccines are FREE for all qualified citizens. They are not for sale. Thus, the selling of vaccines or of the priority slots is deemed illegal and punishable by law.
All the vaccines procured by the national government and are currently being administered have only been given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). They are not for commercial distribution. Likewise, the priority slots are strictly intended for the A1, A2 and A3 priority groups only.
We would therefore like to commend local chief executives who took swift actions and have taken the necessary steps to address this still unvalidated issue.
They include Mandaluyong City Mayor Menchie Abalos who has asked the National Bureau of Investigation’s cybercrime division to conduct a thorough investigation of the matter. She also called on her people not to patronize this illegitimate activity. The public also encourage to report such illicit activity to the Mayor Office’s contact details: 8534-1662
We also laud San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora for branding this modus operandi as a scam and reaching out to those who have been victimized by this unlawful scheme. He also urged residents to report those who are engaged in this scam.
It is our hope that these local leaders will serve as an example to their counterparts throughout the country, and encourage them to take decisive action when the health and welfare of their constituents are at stake.
And for those who are engaged in the unauthorized sale of anti-COVID vaccines, we ask you to stop what you are doing. The long arm of the law will soon catch up on you.
The NTF will continue to monitor developments on the investigation being carried out. We assure the public that individuals who are involved in this prohibited scheme will be penalized.
To reiterate, our vaccines are free and those who will commit fraud and illegal acts of selling and providing priorities and privileged access for financial gains will be investigated and punished.###
