Duterte says Robredo ‘baiting’ him: She thinks I was vaccinated with some soldiers in 2020

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday claimed that Vice President Leni Robredo was “baiting” him to get vaccinated as she thinks he already received a Covid-19 vaccine along with some military men last year.

In a pre-recorded speech, Duterte reiterated that he is not included in the priority list for the Covid-19 vaccines due to his age.

“Mareng Leni, sabi nya mauna ako. You know, in the protocol, ang edad namin, the preferential right is given to 16 o 18 above tapos 59,” Duterte said.

“Ako mareng Leni, 70 na, ay hindi pala. 67 lang pala,” he said, in jest.

Duterte is turning 77 years old this month. Sinovac Biotech’s CoronaVac is the only vaccine the Philippines has as of the moment and the country’s regulator only recommended it for clinically healthy individuals 18 to 59 years old even if the jab was given an emergency use authorization.

“You are baiting me. Alam mo kung bakit? Nagdududa ka kasi na nagpabakuna na ako kasama ang mga sundalo,” Duterte said.

“You seem to have an angel face but a devilish mind. Ang duda mo kasi tapos na ako kaya you want me to go into a trap of saying things which are not appropriate. ‘Yan ang mahirap sa’yo,” he continued.

Last year, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) admitted that some of their members were vaccinated as early as September with an unauthorized vaccine.

Duterte’s remarks come after Robredo stressed the importance of Duterte getting the first Covid-19 shot to boost Filipino’s vaccine confidence.

But the President dared Robredo to get vaccinated first saying she is more qualified due to her age. Duterte said he is waiting for his doctor’s advice on which vaccine to get.

Last month, Malacañang said Duterte prefers to get the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Sinopharm owned by the Chinese government.

KGA