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MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday (October 27) that he prefers a government-to-government deal for the purchase of COVID-19 vaccines to prevent the risk of corruption, adding that Manila would not beg other nations on the access to vaccines. .
The Philippines, with its more than 108 million inhabitants and among the highest number of COVID-19 infections in Asia, is considered a suitable location for clinical trials and a large market for vaccine manufacturers globally.
“Let me tell everyone we will not beg, we will pay,” Duterte said in a weekly televised address.
“For the Chinese government, it is not necessary to seek partners, we can do it from government to government.”
The Philippine leader later said that while China and Russia appeared to be leading the vaccine race, whichever country presented the best offer could be chosen.
China’s Sinovac Biotech may begin late-stage testing of its vaccine in the Philippines next month, and the drug agency is evaluating its application.
Philippine authorities are also evaluating COVID-19 vaccines from Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen for late-stage trials and in discussions with pharmaceuticals Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc as potential suppliers.
Australian Vaxine Pty Ltd has also expressed interest in conducting a clinical trial.
READ: Duterte from the Philippines promises payment as Red Cross stops COVID-19 testing
The Philippines initially allocated $ 400 million to purchase 40 million doses for 20 million Filipinos, as part of Duterte’s plan to inoculate the entire population.
With 371,630 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 7,039 deaths, the Philippines has the second highest number of infections and deaths in Southeast Asia behind Indonesia.
Duterte also extended partially relaxed coronavirus restrictions in the capital, the country’s hotspot, for another month through the end of November. Schools remain closed while social distancing is imposed in public places and on mass transportation.
READ: Philippines allows non-essential foreign travel to resume amid COVID-19
The Philippines last week lifted the ban on non-essential overseas travel by Filipinos.
Travelers to other countries must show confirmed round-trip tickets, travel and health insurance, a statement acknowledging the risks of travel and travel delays, and a medical examination within 24 hours of departure that they clear up of COVID-19.
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