Philippines in advanced talks with Russia for COVID vaccines, envoy says

The Philippines is now in the advanced stages of talks for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines from Russia, with only another set of data needed for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to make a final decision on the matter, a top official said Monday.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Soretta, talks between the two parties are ongoing and at this point the FDA is awaiting data on which to base its decision and possibly procure the Sputnik V vaccines to complement the country's vaccination program which has yet to start almost a year after lockdowns were first set in place.

"I think that's the final step, for our FDA to make our decision and once they make a decision, the Russian side is ready to sit down and sign which they have done already with over 30 countries and there are 50 other countries lined up," he said during a virtual press conference with presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.

Sorreta said there has been interest from the local private sector to partner with Russia for the procurement, but this would not be necessary for the Philippines to be able to order as the shipment can be done government-to-government.

"I know there has been some interest in the private sector which is good, but the lack of a private sector partner will not be a... hindi ho hadlang 'yun para matuloy kung magdesisyon tayo," he explained.

There have also been talks for Russia to put up a manufacturing plant for its COVID-19 vaccines in the country as it did with South Korea and India, but Sorreta said the priority for now is the procurement and that there is enough supply for the Philippines moving forward.

"I have no doubt that we are able to, we have the capability, we have the great people and expertise, pero ang priority ngayon ay obtaining supplies from the Russian side and it's important to be able to put our orders kasi ginagawa 'yun pag dating ng order so hopefully it will happen soon," said Sorreta.

At present, AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Sinovac have secured the emergency use authority (EUA) in the Philippines, with supplies expected in the first quarter of the year.

The Philippines has allocated P82.5 billion for its state vaccination program — P70 billion from loans, P10 billion from the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, and P2.5 billion from the 2021 Department of Health (DOH) budget. — RSJ, GMA News