President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday assured the nation that government was working to source a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. The poor will be prioritized during distribution, along with the police and the military.
First on the list are beneficiaries of government cash transfers of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Second, those who are poor but are not listed as 4Ps beneficiaries because of their circumstances, the President said. The 4Ps beneficiaries, identified by the social welfare department are considered the poorest of the poor.
Duterte said China could announce its vaccine soon.
The Philippines has set advanced human trials for vaccine candidates from China, Taiwan and Russia. It is also testing potential treatments, including the Japan-made anti-flu drug Avigan.
