Malacañang on Monday announced that President Rodrigo Duterte has already picked an official for the role of a ‘vaccine czar’, who shall facilitate the importation and distribution of a future vaccine against COVID-19.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto earlier suggested the appointment a “vaccine czar” to further intensify the government’s response against the COVID-19 crisis.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said this suggestion from the lawmaker was “well-taken.”
The appointed czar refused to make his name public ahead of the president’s announcement.
“In fact, 2 months ago si Presidente may itinalagang vaccine czar,” he told reporters. “Kaya nga lang po, iyong natalagang vaccine czar is hesitant when I asked him if I could remind the public kasi baka hindi na raw po naalala ni Presidente. He would like to wait for the President to make the announcement anew.”
[The President appointed a vaccine czar 2 months ago. However, the vaccine czar was hesitant when I asked if I could remind the public because the President may no longer remember it.]
