PH ranked last in Nikkei's COVID-19 recovery index

Philippines ranked last among 121 countries in Nikkei Asia's September COVID-19 Recovery Index.

Galvez defended the ranking, stating that it does not reflect the actual recovery of the country due to varying pandemic experiences.

He noted that while cases were high in the Philippines during September, other countries had declining cases.

The index measures infection management, vaccination rollout, and social mobility.

Philippines' fully vaccinated population was estimated at 30% as of Sept. 30, which is low compared to ASEAN neighbors like Malaysia and Indonesia.