MANILA, Philippines — The United States’ donation of surplus COVID-19 vaccines has no strings attached, Manila’s envoy to Washington said Monday.
“This donation [is] without any strings attached to it, so to speak. It’s just really part of a program that they have that will start helping other nations to be able to fight this virus,” Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Romualdez said.
“Tayo ay nandoon na sa first batch (We’re in the first batch),” Romualdez said in a pre-recorded interview with Presidential Harry Roque presented during a Palace briefing.
Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)
Romualdez said US President Joe Biden is set to make an announcement this week on the distribution of the 80 million surplus COVID-19 vaccine doses to several countries.
Romualdez said the U.S. is prioritizing its allies and countries which badly need vaccines.
Romualdez said the number of doses to be given to the Philippines has yet to be determined.
“The Philippines will definitely receive [vaccine doses] on the first batch of this 80 million that President Biden will announce some time this week.” he added.