Presidential spokesman Harry Roque was ready to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) with the CoronaVac but unfortunately did not make the cut and was forced to come back another day.
(OPS / FILE PHOTO)
Roque made the statement as the government rolled-out its vaccination program at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) in Manila on Monday, March 1.
Before the press briefing, Roque had actually lined up and was screened for the vaccination. However, it turned out that PGH was only vaccinating 100 people for the pilot inoculation.
"Ako po ay willing ako mabakunahan kaya lang ang sabi ni Doc. Gap Legaspi ubos na yung (I am willing to be vaccinated already but Dr. Legaspi said that they have already vaccinated) 100 so we'll have to go back another day," he said.
PGH Director Gerardo Legaspi was the first health worker in the country to be vaccinated with the CoronaVac.
Roque has was ready to be among the first people to be vaccinated to boost the confidence of the public in the vaccine if the Department of Health (DOH) and the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19 will allow him to do so.
The Palace official also pointed out last week that he was qualified because he is a person with comorbidities.
"Kung papayagan tayo ng NTF at DOH ay kasama tayo sa mauunang magpabakuna para magbigay kompyansa sa ating mga kababayan para mawala ang kanilang agam-agam (If the NTF and the DOH will allow us then we will volunteer to be vaccinated first to boost the confidence of the public and ease their concerns)," he said.