Vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. and former Health chief Janette Garin on Thursday had an exchange of harsh words over the distribution of Covid vaccines across the nation.
Galvez took exception to the claim of Garin, now a congressman representing Iloilo, about an alleged “palakasan” or preferential treatment accorded to local government units.
“There really is no favoritism in what we’re doing.,” Galvez said. “What we’re doing is when an LGU calls us and say they need this much because they only received so much—which for us is very reasonable.”
Taking a swipe at the congresswoman, Galvez said district representatives should not meddle in the implementation of the vaccination program as they are not part of the system in the first place.
Galvez said that Garin wanted an “allocation “for the vaccine doses, which would complicate the process as it is the national government that courses the distribution through the community health development offices of the Department of Health and the local government units.
For her part, Garin denied the allegation of Galvez that she sought an allocation of vaccines for her province.
“This is not true and this is a big lie,” Garin said at a press conference.
Garin said that he only asked Galvez for fair and equitable distribution of anti-COVID-19 vaccines.
“What I am asking for is fair and equitable distribution of vaccines,” Garin pointed out, adding that, as a mother, doctor and public servant, “I cannot afford to be silent on a matter.”
The lawmaker said the government should come up with a clear distribution list because as of now, there is no clear basis regarding the allocation of vaccines to various local government units.
“Where is the clear distribution list? Sec Galvez himself said thatthe mayors and governors are calling him. There is no clear basis,” said Garin, stressing that target population and preventing surges should be the basis.
With Galvez already aware of the arrival of vaccines to the country, Garin said local governments should be made aware of the allocation that they would receive in advance.
“If there is a delay or change, everyone has be notified. That is a very simple process. Why there wasn’t any notice? Why can’t they do it?” Garin asked, stressing that local governments should be given an ample time to prepare and that “monthly allocation should already be clear by now.”
Galvez also accused some politicians of credit-grabbing: They take pictures during the arrival of the coronavirus shots and then publish posters that would make it seem as though the vaccines came from them.
Garin rejected Galvez’s charges of politicking, saying as a representative of her district, she has an obligation to bring the needs of her constituents to the attention of the national government.
So far, 17.4 million doses have arrived in the country, with 12.4 million doses already administered. A little over 3 million individuals are considered fully vaccinated, representing 5.33 percent of the minimum 58 million target, as of July 7, according to Malacañang.