The Philippines might ask for a “credit line” from Russia and China to enable the government to purchase the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine that would be made available to Filipinos by the two countries, President Rodrigo Duterte said. In a televised public address on Monday night, Duterte thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jingping for offering to provide vaccines to the Philippines. “If it is quite expensive, then I will ask my friend President Putin and President Xi Jinping to give us a credit line, but we will pay by installments. Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. earlier said the Philippines would work with Russia on the clinical trials, production and supply of the vaccine. “Cooperation on public health, especially at a time when it is most needed, can be a cornerstone of convergence.

Source: Manila Times August 18, 2020 16:53 UTC