Charles Teves
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday blamed Vice President Leni Robredo’s creation of “uncertainty and doubt” as to why the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine has a low trust rating with Filipinos.
During his weekly public address, Duterte said Robredo spewed “half-truths” when she said the Chinese vaccine did not go through the usual process since the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) has not recommended its use.
He said that a recommendation from the HTAC is not required according to the Universal Health Care Law.
“Remember that you are the vice president. Now, is there any law or in your oath that says that you have to lie? You are dwelling on half-truths,” he said.
“Ang akin, medyo galit ako for coming with a half-truth, na basahin mo, kalahati lang, ‘yung recommendatory power lang. Hindi na kinuha dahil hindi na nga kailangan kasi donated ’yun. At tsaka binigyan ng authority ng FDA.” he added.
Duterte feels Robredo is attempting to spoil the government’s plan in convincing the public to take a dose of the Chinese vaccine.
“We were doing everything convincing, spending most of our time convincing the people that it is safe. Ang bakuna is safe. Now, if you create that uncertainty in the minds of the people, mas maraming ayaw,” said Duterte. “So ’yon ang nagalitan ko because we were running against time, kailangan mabakuna na agad.” he said.
Sinovac’s product has currently one of the lowest efficacy rates among COVID-19 vaccines. Its final-stage trial in Brazil last January bore an efficacy rate of only 50.38%. Sinovac reasoned that the participants were healthcare workers with relatively higher susceptibility of catching the virus.
The public’s loss of confidence in vaccines can easily be attributed to the Dengvaxia controversy four years ago, wherein over 600 people died after getting immunized against Dengue fever with the product.
Duterte in the same speech said he hopes Robredo would just remain quiet the next time she has nothing good to say.
“I hope that next time kung wala naman siyang masabi na tama, she just would maybe shut up,” said Duterte.
“Siguraduhin niya muna o hindi, magbasa siya, siya mismo. Ikaw, ma’am, ang magbasa and take notes of the important or salient points of the law.” he added.
In an earlier rant, Duterte said he’d like Robredo to just die, but clarified that he said it in the heat of the moment.
“Iyong galit ko hindi naman galit na galit na talagang gustong pumatay ng tao. Galit na more of an irritation. Iyong nairita ako sa binibitawan mong salita,
“Walang pikunan dito at hindi ako mapikon. Hindi ko ito personal.” he said.
Duterte could leave office as possibly the worst president in modern Philippine history.
