Malacañang is optimistic that a vaccine for COVID-19 will become available in the Philippines by the first quarter of 2021, hoping that it will be a “year of healing”.
"In order for us to survive and move forward, we had to undergo the process of adaptation. We had to let go of our old habits and adopt new systems, approaches, and a new way of doing things until the pandemic is over,” Galvez said in his year-end message.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the remark following criticism over PSG personnel being the first to receive a vaccine despite not being approved by local regulators.
Duterte said he decided to disclose their names after agreeing with Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor that it was important to name them so as not to tarnish the image of the entire chamber.
ROQUE: "Hindi po pinagbabawal ng batas natin ang magpaturok ng hindi rehistrado. Ang bawal po yung distribution at yung pagbebenta. So ito naman po ay tinurok sa mga sundalo na pumayag."
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday night announced that Metro Manila and nine other areas in the country will remain under general community quarantine status until January 31, 2021.