THE Manila government signed an ordinance setting aside P200 million to “immediately purchase” a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) once it becomes available.

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso inked Ordinance 8659 after the city treasury certified that there were funds available.

With the allocation, the local government need not wait for the passage of the 2021 budget to purchase vaccines for the new coronavirus.

“It turns out that the Manila City government has available funds worth P200 million for the immediate procurement of Covid-19 vaccines should it become available this year,” Domagoso said.

“I want our city to have these Covid-19 vaccines, like how we are able to provide free Covid-19 mass testing — efficient, accessible and free for all,” he added.