Up to Duterte’s doctor which Covid-19 vaccine brand he will receive — Palace

MANILA, Philippines — Despite his preference for the Russian or Chinese jabs, Malacañang said it is up to President Rodrigo Duterte’s doctor which Covid-19 vaccine brand will be inoculated to the chief executive.

“This issue will have to be discussed by the President with his physician,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Tuesday in an online briefing.

“He is, of course, under the advice of his physician,” he added.

Roque earlier said Duterte will be given priority in the vaccination because he is a senior citizen.

Duterte has expressed preference for vaccines made by China and Russia but no jabs from those countries have secured an emergency use authorization (EUA) in the Philippines. 

So far, only Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca have secured an EUA for their Covid-19 vaccines from local regulators.

First batch of vaccines in PH next week

JPV