President Duterte is willing to fully reopen the Philippine economy once he sees Filipinos can easily avail themselves of coronavirus vaccines in health facilities across the country.
The President laid down the "standard" that will convince him to further ease the movement restrictions after his economic managers have been "pestering" him to open the local economy some more.
According to the President, even education authorities were making a pitch for the resumption of in-person classes in some places but he remained reluctant pending the vaccination drive in the country.
"If I see most of the citizens can avail of the vaccine in any of the health centers, hospitals, at wala ng --- that is the standard, then I will reopen everything sa ating ekonomiya (in our economy)," Duterte said during his visit to Valenzuela City Thursday, March 4.
Before he decides on fully opening the economy, Duterte said Filipinos must be able to get vaccinated in any public health center or hospital without any hassle.
"Pag every Filipino ganyan ang sitwasyon na magpabakuna na lang sila, wala nang kulang at walang maraming kutso-kutso, then I will open it immediately (When every Filipino can get inoculated without any more fuss, then I will open it immediately)," he said
"For now pigil ako sa lalo na mga bata (For now, I am constrained especially when it comes to the children)," Duterte said.
Duterte also gave an assurance that the government would exert all efforts to roll out the nationwide COVID-19 Vaccination Program "to enable us to reopen our schools and slowly resume our face-to-face learning."
"To our students, I hope that despite the challenges ahead, you will persevere and strive hard to excel and reach your potential," he said.
In an earlier Palace briefing, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said the President wanted a widespread vaccination effort before he considers the resumption of face-to-face classes in schools.
He said the President would like to see around 2 million vaccines administered before deciding on the reopening of traditional learning in schools.
The President made the latest statement a few days after the government started its free immunization program, initially offering the vaccines to health workers.
After the delivery of the Sinovac vaccines last Sunday, additional doses of vaccines from AstraZeneca are expected to arrive in the country Thursday.
More than 400,000 doses will come from the World Health Organization-led global vaccine acquisition scheme.
The President is expected to attend the turnover ceremony at the Manila airport.
The country is largely under the most relaxed community quarantine level after the government began easing the strict lockdown last year.
The pandemic lockdown, first implemented almost a year ago, has weakened the local economy, crippled business operations, and left many people jobless.