Govt to borrow money for coronavirus vaccine

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte said the government was looking for funds with which to purchase shots of the coronavirus vaccine once it becomes available. He said the country could resort to borrowing if needed.

In his public address aired over state-run PTV4 late Tuesday night, Duterte said Moderna pharmaceutical firm had developed the vaccine.

“Mayroonng vaccine but ang problema it will be ready, according to them, by 2021 pa. January at the earliest (There is a vaccine but according to them it will be available in January),” he said.

As soon as a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) is available, the President said he would want the government to purchase doses right away.

“I’m looking for money. Kailangan kaagadtayo (I need the money so we can immediately buy [the vaccine]),” he added.

The President admitted that he wanted to place an early order of the coronavirus vaccine but Finance Secretary Carlo Dominguez 3rd advised against it.

“Bastamay vaccine, puwede natayomakahiram (When a vaccine is available, we can borrow [money]),” the President said.

He also urged Covid-1Y patients to keep the fight.

“’ P ag tina wag kan gk amata y an sabih in mo,p*****i**k au mal is kadiy an kay may hi ni hint ayako na vaccine. Hindikopapanahon mamatay’ (If death calls you, tell him‘ son of ab***h, go away because I’m waiting for a vaccine. It’s not my time to die),” he added.

Duterte also urged parents to get their children vaccinated for 25 debilitating or life-threatening diseases, including tetanus and diphtheria.

“La hat kay on gm ga na nay, pa ti tatay, see to it that your children are vaccinated ( To all mothers and fathers, kindly see to it that your children are vaccinated),” he said.