In the latter case, how is the total cost expected to be allocated between the government and the private sector? The 2.6-million doses already procured are way off the estimated total requirement of 150 million doses, at two doses per person. This would put the total cost of 150 million doses (equivalent to 75 million sets of two doses each) at about P142 billion. Funding the purchase through the income tax mechanism will be more efficient, fair and assured. To reduce the level of income tax increase, the budget allocation for the legislators’ pork barrel may be transferred to the allocation for Covid-19 vaccines.

Source: Manila Times December 26, 2020 16:52 UTC