The Iloilo City Council passed two resolutions relative to the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines during its special session yesterday.
The local legislative body first passed a resolution authorizing Mayor Jerry P. Treñas to enter into a confidentiality agreement with the vaccine supplier AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals (Phil) Inc.
City councilor and floor leader, Atty. Romel Duron, said there are certain matters in the agreement which cannot be disclosed and it is about the COVID-19 vaccine known as AZD1222 Vaccine which the pharmaceutical company should only disclose to the city mayor or his representative.
Duron also explained why there is a need to enter into a confidentiality agreement.
“May proprietary value ini ang gina-introduce nila sa aton. They are still experimenting actually, waay ini sang kasiguraduhan. Kon gabakal ka bala sang isa ka butang, daw as is, where is basis ni. Nabutang ina da ngaa confidential kay ila production ini nga later on nga kon mag-very successful, indi makopya sang iban, that is why it is called confidential,” said Duron.
He said that based on AstraZeneca, AZD1222 Vaccine is so far the cheapest and they want to make this available worldwide as much as possible.
The city council also passed a resolution authorizing the city mayor to represent the Iloilo City government in negotiating and concluding agreements; to sign, execute and deliver such agreements and other pertinent papers, instruments, and documents; and to do all acts and things necessary, proper, and convenient under the premises for and in behalf of Iloilo City with AstraZeneca.
Duron said the move of the city government to choose AstraZeneca was based also on the decision of the national government.
He added that the city has a reservation of more or less 200,000 vaccines.
Earlier, Treñas said the city government is ready to spend P200 million for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccine should this become available already.
The city mayor also said in order to protect the residents of Iloilo City, the city needs almost 500,000 vaccines./WDJ