Duterte wants deal with Chinese government to provide Covid-19 vaccines to Philippines
- Duterte said that China and Russia appeared to be ahead in the vaccine race but any country that submitted the best offer could be chosen
- The Philippines has the second-highest number of infections and fatalities in Southeast Asia behind Indonesia
The Philippines, with its more than 108 million people and among the highest number of Covid-19 infections in Asia, is considered both a suitable location for clinical trials and a large market for global vaccine manufacturers.
“Let me tell everybody that we will not beg, we will pay,” Duterte said in a weekly televised address. “To the Chinese government, you need not look for partners, we can make it government-to-government.”
The Philippine leader later said that although China and Russia appeared to be ahead in the vaccine race, any country that submitted the best offer could be chosen.
China’s Sinovac Biotech may start late-stage trials of its vaccine in the Philippines as early as next month, with the drugs agency evaluating its application.
Philippine authorities are also evaluating Covid-19 vaccines of Russia’s Gamaleya Research Institute and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen for late-stage trials and in talks with drug maker Pfizer and Moderna Inc as potential suppliers. Australia’s Vaxine has also expressed interest in holding a clinical trial.
The Philippines has initially allotted US$400 million to buy 40 million doses for 20 million Filipinos, as part of Duterte’s plan to inoculate the entire population.