Duterte asks China for priority COVID-19 vaccine access

President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to Chinese President Xi Jinping for priority access to a potential COVID-19 vaccine, requesting credit if necessary to expedite its acquisition.

Duterte made this plea during his fifth State of the Nation Address, expressing hope that the Philippines could be among the first to receive the vaccine.

Following Duterte's SONA, China, through Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin, vowed to prioritize the Philippines' request for a coronavirus vaccine once developed.

This request was made four days prior to his SONA, following a phone call with Xi on June 11 where China assured assistance.

The President acknowledged the global demand for a vaccine and the challenges in securing it.

The Philippines aims to begin Phase 3 clinical trials for five vaccines in October, three of which are developed in China.