Duterte explains why PH seems to play second fiddle in purchase of vaccines

The Philippines is apparently playing "second fiddle" in the purchase of coronavirus vaccines since the country is not rich and has "no clout" unlike wealthy nations that secured the supplies first, President Duterte said Monday.

The President admitted that there was "no Pfizer vaccine available" for the Philippines since the vaccines made by the US manufacturer are being distributed first to the Americans. 

"May I just explain to the public the reason why we --- we seem to be a second fiddle in these negotiations for the acquisition of vaccine. Eh parang second --- second fiddle nga tayo, it’s because ‘yung mga mayaman na doon pa ginagawa sa kanila ang vaccine, kagaya ng Pfizer, uunahin talaga ang Amerika (It’s because the rich nations where the vaccines are made, like those made by Pfizer, they will prioritize America),” Duterte said in a televised address Monday night.

"We do not have the clout because we are not a rich nation," he added.

Duterte said it remains to be seen when Pfizer could have additional vaccine supply that can be made available to the Philippines. 

"There’s no such available vaccine sa Pfizer ngayon. Wala silang maibigay eh ginagamit nga sa Amerika eh, kinukuha (They cannot give any supply. It is being used in America. They're getting the supply)," he said.

"Let us be clear on this, there is as yet no Pfizer vaccines available for the Philippines. And for a long time, wala pa. Binabakunahan pa ang mga Amerikano lahat. Agawan sila ngayon sa Amerika (For a long time, there will be none. All Americans are still being vaccinated)," he added.

Duterte made the remarks after the government drew criticisms for supposedly missing out the chance to secure early supply of coronavirus vaccines for Filipinos. 

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III allegedly dropped the ball in forging a vaccine supply deal with Pfizer by January after supposedly failing to submit a crucial document. Duque has denied committing negligence, insisting that the proposed deals are being scrutinized by the government to ensure these are not disadvantageous.

The President insisted that the government's vaccine purchase will be handled only by vaccine czar Carlito Galvez. He said negotiations for the vaccine procurement must "pass the standard” set by Galvez.

"You can negotiate, you can whatever, sign documents for the delivery. But at the end of the day, isang tao lang talaga ang binigyan ko niyan, si General Galvez. It begins and ends in his table," he said.

Duterte also said he received an assurance from Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado that the government has adequate funds for the procurement of coronavirus vaccines. 

"Sabi ni Avisado may pera daw. Sabi ni Dominguez may pera. Oh ‘di kaya natin. So walang problema (Avisado said there is money. Dominguez also said there is money. So we can afford it. There is no problem)," he added.

Duterte also appealed to the public not to fall for critics sowing intrigues about the government's vaccine procurement plans. He said the people should instead trust him to address the matter.

"Makinig lang kayo sa akin tutal ako man ang pinili --- ‘di ba ako ang hinalal ninyong Presidente? So I am supposed to solve problems for you, for the people. Makinig lang kayo. Tutal wala kayong narinig sa akin na may kalokohan ako na mga transaksyon, wala (Just listen to me. Didn't you elect me as President? So I am supposed to solve problems for you, for the people. Just listen. Besides, you haven't heard that I was involved in any anomalous transaction. Nothing)," he said.

The government earlier divulged plans to secure around 60 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines by next year.

Negotiations are ongoing with a number of vaccine manufacturers for the potential supply deals.

The government has already identified P73.2 billion in funding sources to bankroll the vaccine acquisition program. The free vaccines will be given first to health workers, followed by seniors, poor citizens, and uniformed personnel.