Roque denies Sinovac vaccine more expensive in Philippines

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday denied that there is a huge difference between the price of Sinovac COVID-19 vaccines for the Philippines compared to other countries.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Roque was asked about the $36 price of Sinovac in the Philippines, while Indonesia can get the vaccine at $17 only.

“Hindi naman po totoo 'yan. In the first place, dahil sa confidentiality, hindi nga nila malalaman kung magkano 'yung presyo, as of now,” he said.

Citing vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr., Roque added that the price of Sinovac vaccine given to the Philippines is close to the price given to Indonesia.

“Ang presyo po na makukuha natin sa Sinovac ay hindi po magkakalayo sa presyo na nakuha ng Indonesia. Ang Indonesia po more or less P670, P675 ang kanilang presyo,” he said.

“Bagamat, soon as magkaroon po tayo ng supply agreement, tsaka lang po maisasapubliko kung magkano po talaga natin nakuha. Pero ang indicative price po ay 'yung presyo na nakuha ng Indonesia,” the Palace official added.

Roque on Sunday assured that the Sinovac vaccine costs only around P650 per dosage, similar to its pricing in other countries.

On Sunday, former National COVID-19 Task Force adviser Dr. Tony Leachon questioned the difference in prices in the Philippines, Indonesia, and also Thailand, which can get the vaccine at $5 only.

“Why is Sinovac cheaper in Indonesia and Thailand?” he said.

Roque said that he does not know the source of Bangkok Post which reported the $5 price of Sinovac in Thailand.

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Sunday maintained that there could be corruption involved in the government's procurement of  Sinovac vaccines considering the difference in prices.

Asked if the government can still withdraw its commitment with Sinovac, Roque said that “everything is possible.”

“Pero gusto po ng Presidente makasalba ng pinakamaraming buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.

“Ang mas importante po ay mabigyan ng proteksyon ang pinakamaraming mamamayan natin kaysa wala silang proteksyon habang nag-aantay ng mga brand na gawa ng mga western companies,” he added. —KG, GMA News