Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 16) – President Rodrigo Duterte repeated his call for equitable access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines before fellow world leaders present in the virtual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Informal Leaders’ Retreat on Friday.
“The Philippines reiterates its call for equitable access to safe and effective vaccines. Global economic recovery hinges on the efficient and effective mass inoculation worldwide,” Duterte said in his speech.
“How can nations have stockpile of weapons that can destroy us all, but not have ready reserves of life-saving vaccines and medical supplies for sharing that can save us all?” he added.
Duterte also said countries must strengthen collaboration in development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, especially with the emergence of new variants.
The President encouraged the 20 other APEC member economies to resist imposing barriers to the free movement of vaccines and make them more affordable to developing countries.
“COVID-19 will not be the last disruptive event that humanity will face. Yet, our global and domestic mechanisms remain inadequate to address systemic shocks of great magnitude,” Duterte said. “It is our collective obligation to future-proof our region…by harnessing technology and innovation through enhanced multilateralism.”
Aside from the Philippines, the other APEC members are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, The Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.
Duterte also made a similar call during his September 2020 speech before the UN General Assembly.
