China has not imposed any condition when it included the Philippines as among the priority nations to gain access to its potential coronavirus vaccine, according to a Filipino diplomat.
Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said China instead reminded the country to prepare its cold storage facilities amid the highly anticipated breakthrough in vaccine development.
China will hopefully announce its mass production of the coronavirus vaccine before the end of the year or early next year, Sta. Romana said during an online Palace press briefing.
"Hopefully, mass production and distribution will happen in the near future, as early as November and December in terms of production. And it will depend on our capability to receive the vaccines in terms of our facilities, in terms of distribution," he said.
"The prospects are bright in terms of a breakthrough in vaccine," he added.
Sta. Romana made clear that the cold storage facilities for the potential COVID-19 vaccines are not conditions set by China but simply a reminder to ensure effective distribution of the vaccine.
"It’s just a reminder that if you get the vaccine and you don’t have cold chain storage, then it’s useless so you have to prepare," he said, citing information from Chinese drug companies.
He said even if the Philippines is in the “priority list,” the distribution of the vaccine will be a challenge.
He said the vaccines must be stored in “freezing conditions” to keep its efficacy.
“If exposed to tropical weather or to normal weather conditions, the vaccine could lose its effectiveness,” he said.
So far, Sta. Romana said the vaccines being developed by Chinese pharmaceutical firms have entered phase 3 of the clinical trials. One of the potential vaccines have been approved for emergency use for health workers and other government frontliners.
"The Chinese will make an announcement in the near future and then they’ll start their mass production. And once there is the mass production, then I think there will be distribution. Hopefully, before the end of the year; but surely by the first quarter of next year," he said.
Asked if China has imposed any condition on the Philippines in exchange for the vaccine supply, Sta. Romana said: "No, not at all. Actually, we’re the ones, our condition is that it should pass our local requirements."
When asked if Beijing has pledged the amount of vaccines and if these will be given to Manila for free, Sta. Romana said the matter would entail more discussion.
"I cannot give you a definitive answer right now but definitely in terms of number, you know, how they will do it kasi it depends on the—they’re talking of hundreds of millions in terms of production dito sa China. So, the question is iyong distribution and deployment,” he said.
"They’re preparing their manufacturing facilities for the mass production of vaccines the moment approval is announced,” he added.
Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado has assured that the government has funds that will be needed for the establishment of the cold storage facilities for the coronavirus vaccines.
"Surely, as the sun rises in the east, there will be funds for that because the President will never allow that we will run short of the requirements to make sure that we have the storage facilities for all of these vaccines,” he said in the same online press conference.
Last week, President Duterte expressed confidence about the safety of the vaccines being developed by China, citing the Asian neighbor is a modern country.
He said the government has funds for the vaccine purchase, adding he was just waiting for China or Russia to contact him.
"I’d be glad to open up my sleeves because I am confident with their vaccine,” he added.