The Chinese Embassy in Manila has confirmed that the 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines donated by the Chinese government will arrive in Manila on Sunday, Feb. 28.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Tuesday welcomed President Duterte’s position against the proposed conduct of face-to-face classes and putting the entire country under the less restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
(PCOO / MANILA BULLETIN)
In a tweet, Locsin said he has told President Duterte of his decision to “walk away” from power and position even as some of his “friends” in the Cabinet are poised to join the senatorial race.
“Friends in Cabinet are running for the Senate; those I deeply admire. I already declined; telling the President I deem it infinitely higher honor to walk away from power and position beside him in June 2022. No greater honor than to walk away from it all with such a president,” he said.
It is not known, however, if Locsin’s decision not to seek a Senate seat is already final, or “he is just merely playing hard-to-get,” said a former DFA official who requested anonymity.
Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana
Speaking at the regular Palace press briefing, Ambassador Chito Sta. Romana said the delivery schedule for the vaccine is being discussed through diplomatic channels, specifically between the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) the Chinese manufacturer.
“That’s why I think so far, the situation looks good. I think certainly before the end of the month we will be receiving the vaccine donation that Foreign Minister Wang Yi promised last month,” he said.
Only last week, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque announced that the 600,000 doses promised by Chinese Foreign Minister and State Counselor Wang Yi will be delivered to the Philippines on February 23, 2021. Apart from the donation, the Philippines also ordered 25 million doses of Chinese-made vaccines which will be delivered on a staggered basis within this year.
MANILA, Feb 14 (Reuters): The Philippines plans to allow more businesses, including cinemas and public attractions, to reopen or expand their operations soon, as the country moves to revive its pandemic-hit economy, the presidential spokesman has announced.