Duque admits being hurt by claims he scuttled Pfizer vaccine deal inquirer.net - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from inquirer.net Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
By on December 22, 2020
He said there was “no available” vaccines from Pfizer for the Philippines, adding that “it remains to be seen” when the American pharmaceutical company could supply the country with.
(File: TOTO LOZANO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
MANILA – The Philippines is seemingly playing “second fiddle” in the purchase of vaccines for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) because the country has “no clout” and is “not rich”, President Rodrigo Duterte said late Monday night.
Duterte made this remark after Health Secretary Francisco Duque III came under fire for allegedly having “dropped the ball” in negotiations with Pfizer on the delivery of the vaccines for the Philippines.
No vaccines as Christmas gift manilastandardtoday.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from manilastandardtoday.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
December 22, 2020
Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez asserted that no bus was missed or that the ball fell when it came to government negotiations with various pharmaceutical companies to ensure that the Philippines can get the COVID-19 vaccine.
This is despite allegations that Health Secretary Francisco Duque III neglected the agreement with the American company Pfizer, followed by the call of Sen. Manny Pacquiao for him to resign as secretary.
“No ‘bus’ was missed, or no ‘ball’ was dropped because we are focused on our main goal, and that is, to secure an equitable share of the vaccines,” said Galvez.
According to Galvez, negotiations with various manufacturers are already in the “advanced stage.”
New deal for 20M more doses eyed manilastandardtoday.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from manilastandardtoday.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.