PH ready to work with Russia on COVID-vaccine trials

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines expressed readiness to coordinate with Russia on the clinical trials for a vaccine against COVID-19.

This, after President Rodrigo Duterte accepted Russia’s offer to provide the country COVID-19 vaccines and volunteered to participate in trials.

“The Philippines stands ready to work with Russia on clinical trials, vaccine supply and production, and other areas deemed practicable by relevant Philippine and Russian agencies to address this global health emergency,” Malacañang said Tuesday in a statement.

“Like similar bilateral and multilateral arrangements, all cooperation initiatives will be consistent with protocols for testing and health standards. International cooperation is key to effectively combat this global pandemic.”

“Consistent with the President’s independent foreign policy, we continue to work with partners across the world to ensure access to a safe vaccine,” it added.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev earlier said Russia is ready to supply the country with COVID-19 vaccines which showed “promising” results.

Russia’s health minister earlier said it is already preparing a mass vaccination campaign against COVID-19 by October. [ac]