Duterte bats for China’s COVID-19 vaccine anew

President Rodrigo Duterte once again expressed confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines being developed by China.

In a televised address on Wednesday, Duterte assured Filipinos of the safety of China’s candidate vaccines.

“Those of you who are asking me kung safe ba itong China: I can say that China is a modern country and it has all the wherewithal… [its] integrity is fully protected by its achievements,” he said.

Duterte earlier said he would prefer vaccines from China and Russia, lamenting that Western pharmaceutical companies seek advance payments. 

“Kung mag-offer—ako, naghihintay akong tawagan ng China or Russia. I’d be glad to open up my sleeves and [say] ‘Sige’ kasi may kumpiyansa nga ako,” he said.

A Chinese official earlier said a China-developed vaccine could be ready for the public as early as November. 

In July, China vowed to prioritize the Philippines in the distribution of vaccines after Duterte made a request to Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

There are at least four potential COVID-19 vaccines being developed in China, the ground zero of the pandemic.—LDF, GMA News