China to ensure stable COVID-19 vaccine supply in the Philippines — envoy

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said Thursday the Chinese government will donate and ensure stable anti-COVID-19 vaccine supply of the Philippines.

Huang made the announcement during inauguration of the P1.46-billion China-funded Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge where President Rodrigo Duterte was in attendance.

"As the Philippines faces an increase in demand for [COVID-19] vaccines, we will donate more and substantively increase the supply of vaccines of the Philippines," Huang said.

"China and the Philippines are close neighbors that cannot be separated and moved away [from each other]," he added.

Of the country's over 27 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, half are Sinovac which are Chinese vaccines.

On Wednesday, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. said the Philippines' COVID-19 vaccine supply is short by 42 million doses.

President Duterte, for his part, credited the Chinese government and the Department of Public Works and Highways for the project's completion amid the pandemic.

"I’d also like to express our gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China for financing the project. The P1.46 billion funding that they have extended highlights the goodwill of the Chinese people and its government and further cements the good relations between our two countries," Duterte said.

"The new bridge will help ease traffic congestion among major thoroughfares in Metro Manila and will improve the mobility of people and goods between Makati and Mandaluyong. It will also support our efforts for the gradual reopening of our economy and improve the resilience of roads and bridges in Metro Manila against natural disasters," he added. — RSJ, GMA News