Duterte lauds China, says vaccines should be a global public good

President Duterte lauded China for donating coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines to many countries as he reiterated that the shots should be treated as a global public good so many people can have access to the vaccines.

Duterte made the statement following the arrival of 600,000 doses of CoronaVac vaccines donated by the Chinese government to the Philippines on Sunday, February 28.

In a press conference in Pasay City, Duterte praised China for its commitment to donate vaccines to many countries.

“China is a – has a good spirit. The people are kind and the government is very – it has great respect and love for mankind,” he said.

The Chinese government

has already donated COVID-19 vaccines to more than 50 countries.

'Global public good'

In his speech during the arrival of the CoronaVac vaccines, President Duterte reiterated his stand that COVID-19 vaccines should be treated as a global public good.

"I said it before and I will say it again: COVID-19 vaccines should be treated as a global public good and made available to all, rich and poor alike," he said.

"No nation – no people – should be left to suffer the ravages of this pandemic for whatever reason," he added.

The President said the comprehensive global recovery hinges on equal and easy access to life-saving vaccines.

“At the end of the day, as repeatedly said, no one is safe until everyone is safe,” Duterte pointed out.

“Countries must therefore continue working together and do everything humanly possible to ensure a good outcome for every person,” he added.