Deputy Speaker Rufus Rodriguez has cited that every Filipino’s “right to health” to call for the government’s approval in allowing the private sector to secure coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines for its employees and their immediate families.

Indicated in the Resolution No. 1453, the Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Representative deemed this a necessary action.

With a P72.5 billion funding allotted for the COVID-19 vaccine procurement, the 30 percent to 50 percent population it could vaccinate is still far from the Department of Health’s (DOH) target of 70 percent to 80 percent, which is being eyed to achieve herd immunity.

“Many private companies have expressed interest in acquiring and purchasing vaccines for their employees and their dependents to move towards higher productivity and income for their personnel,” Rodriguez said.

“A proper vaccination program for the private sector will significantly aid the government in its pursuit to fight Covid-19 and its effects, and in regaining some semblance of normalcy with businesses bouncing back and ultimately placing the economy on its way to recovery,” he added.

Romualdez also filed House Bill No. 8301 that would spare private sectors from import duties, value added tax, excise tax, and other fees when securing the COVID-19 vaccines for their workforces.