Duterte: COVID-19 vaccine may come by 2021, don't die before then

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday is pinning his hopes on a vaccine for COVID-19 being discovered by early next year, telling people to "refrain from dying" before then.

In an address aired well into Wednesday morning, Duterte cited the recent news about American biotech firm Moderna, which reportedly produced "positive interim" results in its first clinical tests. Duterte expressed hope that the vaccine may become available as early as January 2021.

"So kung ganoon, 'wag ka sanang mamatay hanggang January. Hintayin mo 'yung vaccine. 'Pag tinawag ka ng kamatayan, sabihin mo p— ina ka umalis ka diyan, may hinihintay ako na vaccine. Hindi ko pa panahon mamatay," Duterte said.

The President has repeatedly stressed the importance of vaccines against fighting the virus, which is why he received the Moderna news well. Duterte also cited reported successes of Chinese researchers in developing a vaccine.

"'Yan ang good news talaga. That is what I was really hoping for, the vaccine. Because ang kalaban ng COVID isa lang talaga, it's the vaccine that can really fight the infection. Wala nang iba. 'Yung sariling katawan mo lang. Walang medisina, walang antibiotic," added Duterte, who previously offered a P50 million reward to those would discover a vaccine for COVID-19.

The President reminded the public to follow protocols against the virus such as social distancing, the use of mask, and proper cough etiquette.

"COVID will remain with us until such time na nabakunahan tayong lahat. Hindi sabihin na may bakuna na at successful na at okay na. Hanggat hindi ka matusukan ng vaccine. You are still in danger," Duterte said.

"So hindi to ibig sabihin na wala na, andyan pa 'yan. The corona will not disappear, it is here for all time," he added. —JST, GMA News