Just wait as 75% of vaccines already went to 10 countries – Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos will just have to wait for the COVID-19 vaccines as most of them have already been bought, President Rodrigo Duterte said in a pre-recorded speech that aired on Wednesday.

“Seventy-five percent of all vaccines have been acquired by 10 countries. Only 10, the other 130 [countries] have nothing. So let’s wait,” Duterte said, speaking partly in Filipino. “I’m not trying to pontificate here. In the meantime, we better follow government.”

The government is planning to start Covid-19 vaccinations as soon as the Sinovac vaccines – of which 600,000 doses were donated by the Chinese government — arrive.

In the meantime, Duterte advised that Filipinos wear face masks as it could save them “a lot of trouble and expense.”

He also reiterated his order to local governments regarding face masks, saying: “To the provincial government, municipal governments, and city governments, I require you to buy and give it for free.”’

Despite his advice, Duterte admitted that he himself was not used to wearing a face mask.

“I’ve been criticized. You’re right that “this Duterte keeps talking but doesn’t follow [his advice].  You’re right that I don’t wear a mask. You’re right,” he said.

“I’m not a holdupper who’s accustomed to wearing this. That’s why I remove it. I run the risk of, I might be gone quickly. Anyway, there’s a vice president who will follow,” he added.

Since parts of the country have been placed under community quarantine, the government requires everyone to wear face masks and face shields in public areas.

[atm]