Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte thanked Russia for late Monday after the latter offered to supply a COVID-19 vaccine once it is available.
In a televised late-night briefing with the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) in Davao City, Duterte said he was very happy that Russia would supply the vaccine.
He added that “they are not talking about any payment” saying President Vladimir Putin may want to help at no cost.
“Someday we will, makabayad man kami sa utang ng loob sa inyo but I promise you that the Philippines and Russia would remain friends forever.”
Duterte said that they have yet to discuss the details of the clinical trial for the vaccine where he also noted that he has faith in Russia’s efforts in combating COVID-19.
He instructed Health Secretary Francisco Duque III “to look for the best guy to be given the [task of handling] the transfer of technology of the vaccine.
Over the weekend, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igo Khovaev said that Russia has developed a safe and effective vaccine against COVID-19 and expressed its willingness to supply COVID-19 vaccines to the Philippines.
He added that Russia can also invest with a Philippine partner for the mass production of the vaccine.
Applications have been filed at the Philippine Food and Drug Administration in relation to this, he added.
