Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla on Thursday rued how an "extreme bureaucracy" was preventing local officials like himself from purchasing COVID-19 vaccines on their own for their constituents, venting on social media that he was "beyond frustrated".
Under the current set-up, which has so far resulted in the full immunization of roughly 12 million of the 50 million target by year-end, vaccines can only be purchased through so-called tripartite deals with government, vaccine manufacturers and either private companies or LGUs.
"I am already BEYOND frustrated. Nakailang meeting na pero everytime we ask for vaccine support the answer is 'we will get back to you.' Puro ganyan. It is worse than 'noted'," he said in a series of rants on Twitter.
"We are literally blocked by extreme bureaucracy from saving people’s lives. It’s killing not just lives but the economy left in shambles," he said in another tweet.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque told Remulla also on Thursday that his "wish is granted" and the government would allot more vaccines to neighboring provinces once Metro Manila vaccinates 50% of its population.
Cavite has ordered at least 1.5 million doses of Novavax vaccines, the governor said. Deliveries were pushed to October from August.
"Ano ito, matira ang matibay?" Remulla said, as he stressed that Cavite has P2.5 billion in funds alloted for COVID-19 vaccines.
Remulla said the province received about one million vaccine doses, fully inoculating around 500,000 people. Cavite needs at least six million doses to reach 70% vaccination and achieve herd immunity, he said.
Cavite recently received 60,000 doses, which will last for only 15 days as health workers there administer 4,000 doses a day. At this rate, Cavite will finish its vaccination program after two years, said Remulla.
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