Malacañang on Friday evening (June 25) issued a clarification that President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to receive his second shot of COVID-19 vaccine, following his security chief’s remark that he is already fully vaccinated.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Jesus Durante III already rectified his initial statement and apologized for it.
“Gen. Durante was mistakenly informed by his medical staff that a second dose was already administered to the President. Further, Gen. Durante has admitted, apologized and rectified his earlier remarks,” Roque said.
Durante earlier said in an interview with People’s Television Network that Duterte had his second jab 14 days after his first dose inoculation of Sinopharm on May 3.
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.
The PSG assured the continued enforcement of security and health protocols until the last day of the administration. There are currently no reports saying the Chief Executive has tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.
“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.
In line with Duterte’s upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), the commander said they have yet to announce whether physical attendees have to be fully vaccinated to be allowed entry. – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG-jlo
