Duterte eager to get COVID-19 vaccine

President Rodrigo Duterte is eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, according to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

Roque stated that the President himself expressed impatience for the vaccine's arrival, implying that this urgency might speed up related processes.

This eagerness comes after Duterte certified a bill that allows local government units to make advance payments for vaccines and another bill concerning financial compensation for severe adverse events from vaccination.

The initial delivery of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines, part of the COVAX facility, was previously delayed due to the pending indemnification agreement.

Additionally, the arrival of Sinovac vaccines, a donation from the Chinese government, might also be postponed because the pharmaceutical company has not yet secured an emergency use authorization from the Philippine FDA.