By Alec Go
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte received his second dose of Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine on Monday evening (July 12).
The vaccine was administered by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, who also administered Duterte’s initial dose on May 3, 2021. The Chief Executive’s vaccination was shared by Senator Christopher Go on his Facebook page.
The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the emergency use authorization (EUA) application for the 1,000 Chinese-donated Sinopharm vaccine doses on June 7.
In an interview with People’s Television Network on June 25, Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander Jesus Durante III assured that they will continue to enforce health and security protocols despite Duterte’s vaccination status.
“We never put our guard down from the very beginning. And we are proud to say that the President remains safe from the virus,” Durante said.
Duterte will have his last State of the National Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa on July 26. The PSG and several lawmakers have been considering allowing only fully vaccinated individuals to physically attend the event. -rir
