Duterte to be among first COVID-19 vaccine recipients

Malacañang announced that President Rodrigo Duterte will be among the first to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, although his family members will not be prioritized unless they have comorbidities or to help boost public confidence.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated that the government is fully prepared for vaccine distribution, with initial doses from the COVAX Facility expected next week.

Duterte, a 75-year-old senior citizen, falls under the priority group for vaccination after healthcare workers.

Roque explained that the President's decision to be vaccinated early aims to instill public confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines.

As public officials, some members of the first family may receive the vaccines ahead of other Filipinos to help boost vaccine confidence.