The government is planning to sell its assets if needed to fund the purchase of a vaccine to fight the spread of COVID-19, Malacañang spokesman said on Friday.
There is no cure or vaccine yet for COVID-19, which has already killed nearly 1,300 people in the Philippines.
President Rodrigo Duterte said in April that he would consider selling the assets of the Philippine government if its funds for the fight against COVID-19 and for the assistance to affected Filipinos run out.
“Basta po mayroon ng gamot diyan sa COVID-19. Basta may bakuna, ibebenta natin lahat ng ari-arian ng gobyerno para makabili po tayo para sa ating mga kababayan,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said during a televised briefing when asked about the government’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy.
“Iyan po ang paninindigan ni Presidente – buhay muna bago ari-arian,” said Roque.
Duterte said that all countries should be given “fair and easy” access to vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 once they become available./Stacy Ang
