As vaccine development progresses worldwide amid the pandemic, Malacañang on Monday stressed that President Rodrigo Duterte will be an effective instrument to rebuild vaccine confidence in the country.
“I think the president is the best communication tool. Kung papayagan na ng FDA, I think mangunguna ang presidente at nag-volunteer naman siya. In fact, gustong-gusto na niya. (If approved by the FDA, I think the president will take initiative and has already volunteered. In fact, he really wants it),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque stated.
“Ang presidente ay hindi na talaga makahintay. Gusto na niyang turukan na siya para maipakita na niya sa buong bayan na ligtas at epektibo at ito ay dumaan sa expert panel group ng pinakadalubhasang Pilpino (The president cannot wait. He wants to be inoculated to show the whole nation that the vaccine is safe and effective and has been reviewed by the expert panel group of the best Filipino specialists),” he added.
Roque also confirmed that President Duterte is willing to be vaccinated by products under emergency use authorization (EUA). A live coverage is not necessary, but the matter will depend on the decision of the chief executive.
Regarding the transport and distribution of vaccines, Malacañang assured that the cold chain storage is already “in place.”
Meanwhile, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) will have a meeting today and will be followed by a public address. – PTV News Online
