Duterte to APEC: Ensure free flow of COVID-19 vaccines

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday called on member-states of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation for the free flow of COVID-19 vaccines once available as well as other supplies and technologies in preventing spread of the novel coronavirus.

In his intervention at the APEC Leaders' Meeting hosted by Malaysia, Duterte pushed for "a comprehensive recovery with no one left behind."

"First, we have to ensure the unimpeded flow of medical supplies and technologies, especially COVID-19 vaccines. It is folly to assume that there can be pockets of safe havens in the face of a global pandemic," Duterte said in his message.

"We have to defeat the virus everywhere, or no one is safe. To do this, we need to strengthen partnerships to make vaccines a global public good," he added.

The Philippine leader said several modalities can be employed in making the vaccines accessible to all nations such as bilateral and multilateral cooperation.  Tripartite arrangements could also be made among the government, private sector and the multilateral financial institutions.

"There is no other way. Let us resolve to act decisively on universal vaccine access and maximize these mechanisms," he said.

Duterte lauded the initiative of Malaysia  to establish the COVID-Live online portal for sharing best practices on effective response and mitigation efforts.

He also called on his fellow leaders "to keep trade free, open, and fair," which he added is "key to achieving sustained and inclusive economic recovery." 

"We have a new reality that is sobering.  We should not be discouraged. If anything, we must recommit ourselves to bolder, more concrete ways to ensure our region’s economic well-being and vitality," he said.

Duterte also vowed support for the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040, reaffirming the Philippines' commitment for a free and rules-based multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organization.

"We commit to address the widening income inequalities between the countries.  And we aim to empower ourselves to face the disruptive impact of a new globalization, driven by digitalization and innovation," he said.—NB/LDF,GMA News