While extending his gratitude over the COVID-19 vaccine offer of Russia, President Duterte has volunteered to be the first one to be injected with the vaccine to ensure its safety prior to public use.
“Ako, pagdating ng bakuna, in public, para walang satsat diyan, in public magpa-injection ako. Ako ‘yung maunang ma-eksperimentuhan. Okay para sa akin (When it comes to the vaccine, I would be injected in public so there would be no ranting. I would be the first to be experimented on. It is okay with me),” President Duterte said.
“Sabihin ko rin kay President Putin na tiwalang… malaki ang tiwala ko… (I would also tell President Putin that I have great trust in) your studies in combatting COVID, and I believe that the vaccine that you have produced is really good for humanity,” he added.
“Actually, ang (the) vaccines they are to be distributed, worldwide na ‘yan by September, October, Bibitawan na ‘yan nila dahan-dahan with the clinical studies. And if it’s completed, ilalarga nila ‘yan (They will release it gradually with the clinical studies. And if it’s completed, the distribution will start). By December, sabi ko (I say), in the fullness of God’s time, we will have, hopefully, a COVID-free December and we can enjoy this Christmas season,” he disclosed.
He also mentioned tapping the military to help in the government’s measures if the situation worsens and has ordered the police to help in transporting contact tracers.
The Chief Executive expressed how he also wants a lockdown amid the clamor of doctors to extend the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) because he does “not want the contamination to continue”
“Kung mayroon lang akong pambigay, ibibigay ko sa inyo araw-araw para mabubuhay kayo, makakain (If only I have something to give, I will supply what you need every day so you could live, including food). The problem is the funds are already depleted,” he pointed out.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified that the depleted funds the President is referring to is the cash assistance, especially since Bayanihan 2 has not yet been signed into law. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
