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Duterte yet to receive 2nd dose of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, spokesman clarifies


President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to receive his second dose of Sinopharm against COVID-19, the Palace said Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the clarification after Presidential Security Group (PSG) Chief Jesus Durante III said in a PTV-4 interview that the President already completed his two doses of Sinopharm vaccine.

“General Durante was mistakenly informed by his medical staff that a second dose was already administered to the President,” Roque said in a statement.

Roque also claimed that Durante apologized for his pronouncements.

“General Durante has admitted, apologized and rectified his earlier remarks. We hope this clarifies the matter,” Roque added.

Durante earlier said Duterte received his second dose 14 days after he received his first dose on May 3.

"Fourteen days after yung activity, nagkaroon po siya ng second dose [Fourteen days after the first one, he received his second dose]," he said.

Sinopharm has been issued emergency use authorization (EUA) by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration on June 7, or weeks after Duterte received the first dose.

Sinopharm, however, was given compassionate use permit in February. A compassionate use permit allows legal administration but the EUA guarantees safety and efficacy.

Roque initially said Durante “has personal knowledge of second shot” and that “it was given after the EUA was granted to Sinopharm.”—LDF, GMA News

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