What Duterte Said in His Weekly Speech (Jan. 13)

Here's a recap of what President Rodrigo Duterte said in his weekly speech to the nation. This one was delivered on Wednesday. Jan. 13.

• President Duterte starts his address by naming dismissed government officials and workers due to various misconduct.
• Duterte on efforts of LGUs to procure own COVID-19 vaccines: "Hindi namin pinipilit na sumali kayo sa ibibigay na bakuna ng national government."
• Duterte defends COVID-19 vaccines from China, claiming that these are as good as vaccines made in Western countries. He called the Chinese "bright," saying: "Hindi sila mag-venture kung hindi ito safe, sure, and secure."
• Duterte says the government's COVID-19 vaccination program is his responsibility. 
• Duterte tells mayors, governors: "You can choose any vaccine you like to buy. Wala kaming pakialam kung ano ang pipiliin niyo."
• Duterte says the Philippines wasn't able to start its own COVID-19 immunization program immediately because of money. Manila had to negotiate with drug makers, he adds.
• Health Sec. Francisco Duque III reports the Philippines first confirmed case of the UK variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.
• READ: Philippines Confirms First Case of New COVID Variant
• Duterte says he prays that the new COVID-19 virus variant is not more "toxic." 
• COVID-19 vaccine czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. says the Philippines will procure safe and effective vaccines.
• Galvez says the government can spend P82.5 billion for the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.
• Galvez discusses efforts to secure COVID-19 vaccines produced by Novavax.
• READ: Philippines Secures 30 Million Novavax Vaccine Doses
• Galvez says China has committed definite dates for delivery of COVID-19 vaccines. 
• Duterte says frontliners, health workers, and essential workers will be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines.
• READ: Who Will be First to Get COVID-19 Vaccine in Philippines?
• Duterte assures the public: "All will have their vaccines."