Some Philippine soldiers and Cabinet ministers have already received COVID-19 vaccine injections, officials said on Monday, despite an absence of regulatory approval that the country's health ministry said was vital to ensure safety.
Interior minister Eduardo Ano said some Cabinet members have already received COVID-19 vaccines. The army chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said some troops had been vaccinated but that the number was not large. Neither said what brand of vaccine was administered.
The health ministry in a statement said all vaccines must first be evaluated by experts, and "only vaccines which have been approved and found to be safe should be administered."