MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is considering talking with Congress about giving tax relief to manufacturers of medical oxygen which he called a “vital component” in the country’s fight against COVID-19.
“If it really goes out of control, we would need all the oxygen that they can produce for the people,” he said, speaking partly in Filipino, in his taped speech that aired on Monday. “During the first wave that hit us, we had a shortage of oxygen. So those who are producing it, give them some license if it hits [again].Iif everything is in order, give it right away to manufacturers.”
“Maybe I’ll talk to Congress to give you tax relief for what you are doing — for you are producing a very vital component in the fight against the COVID-19 and the variant, Delta,” he added.
Earlier, a World Health Organization official urged the Philippines to ramp up its oxygen supplies amid the threat of the Delta variant.
READ: WHO urges PH to prepare oxygen supplies amid threat of Delta variant
Meanwhile, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez assured the public that the local supply of oxygen was “three times more” than the current demand.