To show how much he appreciates the assistance extended by the People’s Republic of China, President Duterte expressed his desire to personally witness the arrival of the first batch of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines, Malacañang said.
(ALBERTO ALCAIN / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / FILE PHOTO)
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made the statement as the Chinese government's donation of 600,000 doses of CoronaVac shots is set to arrive within the week.
In his Wednesday presser, Roque said Duterte is very thankful to China that he wants to be present during the arrival of the vaccines manufactured by Chinese pharmaceutical firm Sinovac.
"Talagang sinabi ni Presidente na talagang nais niyang salubungin ang pagdating ng Sinovac (President Duterte really wants to personally welcome the arrival of the Sinovac vaccines)," he said.
"Barring any glitches, nais pong sumalubong ni Presidente at magkakaroon siguro ng kaunting seremonya dahil ito ay donated ng (the President wants to be there and maybe hold a small ceremony because these are donated by) the People's Republic of China," he added.
According to Roque, there was nothing wrong with Duterte personally witnessing the arrival of the vaccines because of the assistance that China has been giving the Philippines in times of need.
"Nagpapasalamat lang po ang Presidente dahil sa panahon ng pagsubok, Tsina na naman ang nagdeliver (The President is just thankful because when times get rough, it is always China that delivers)," he said.
Roque, in particular, cited China's giving the Philippines the necessary arms during the Marawi Siege in 2017 and now, the donation of 600,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
"Hindi po masama na ipakita ang ating utang na loob (It's not a bad thing to show our indebtedness)," he said.
"Ang Filipino po, sabihin niyo na ang gusto niyong sabihin, hinding-hindi tayo ingrato (Filipinos, no matter what anyone says, are not ingrates)," he added.
Meanwhile, Roque assured the public that President Duterte's manifestation of "utang na loob" (debt of gratitude) towards China will not affect the Philippines' stand on issues the country has with the Asian superpower.
"Hindi po. Hindi naman po ganoon ang Pilipino (It won't have an effect. Filipinos are not like that)," he said.
"Ipaglalaban natin ang dapat nating ipaglaban pero hinding-hindi tayo magiging inggrato (We will fight for the things that we should fight for but we will never be an ungrateful people)," he added.