Duterte optimistic PH will return to normalcy by December with Chinese vaccine

President Rodrigo Duterte expressed optimism that the Philippines will return to normalcy by December, contingent on the availability of COVID-19 vaccines from China.

He assured that the vaccines would be administered for free to poor communities, those receiving government assistance, patients in hospitals, and the middle class.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez estimated the cost of the vaccine program to be P20 billion, with at least 20 million Filipinos prioritized for free vaccination.

Duterte ordered the Philippine National Police to clean up their precincts to serve as vaccination centers once the vaccine is available.

He reiterated that the military and the police would take charge of the government's free COVID-19 immunization program.

The President also mentioned that China was working on a vaccine and the Philippines would be a priority recipient.

However, Senator Joel Villanueva stated that every Filipino has the right to be immunized from COVID-19 once a vaccine becomes available, and no one should be discriminated against.

Duterte also reiterated that drug pushers and drug lords would not be vaccinated, stating that they are not considered people and are like dogs, although communist rebels could receive vaccine shots if they stop fighting.