Duterte to get second dose of Sinopharm vaccine despite asking China to recall donation —Palace

President Rodrigo Duterte will receive his second dose of COVID-19 vaccine produced by Chinese firm Sinopharm even as he asked China to take back the donated shots, Malacañang said Thursday.

“The second dose will not be returned so that he may be able to finish [the process],” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said at a press briefing.

Duterte received his first dose on Monday even if the Sinopharm vaccine has not been vetted by Filipino experts.

On Wednesday, Duterte apologized for getting the unregistered vaccine even if it was covered by a compassionate special permit issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He then asked China to withdraw the 1,000 doses of donated Sinopharm vaccine.

Around two to three firms have expressed their intent to apply for an emergency use authorization of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Sinopharm, according to the FDA.

However, these firms have yet to submit requirements to the FDA, including proof that they are the official supplier and distributor of the Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccine in the country.

“It’s important to have an EUA because the critics say we should have waited for an EUA. So the President said, ‘let’s wait for an EUA,’” Roque said.

"We are confident that Sinopharm will secure an EUA because the vaccine is being used in 25 countries," he added.—AOL, GMA News