Health Secretary Francisco Duque III believed that the inoculation of President Duterte will encourage more Filipinos to get vaccinated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"It is really a good thing for the people to witness that our very own President believes in the safety and efficacy of our vaccines," he said in a press briefing in Manila, Tuesday, May 4.
Duque administered the Sinopharm vaccine to Duterte Monday, May 3.
The Health chief explained that the Sinopharm vaccine was covered by the compassionate special permit (CSP) issued to the Presidential Security Group Hospital by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
"This was allowed by virtue of the CSP issued to the PSG Hospital. Sinopharm may only use the CSP from the FDA," said Duque.
He said the decision was also based from the prescription of Duterte's physician.
The FDA issued a CSP to Sinopharm for the use of its vaccine by the PSG members in February.