What Duterte Said in His Weekly Speech (Jan. 18)

Here's a recap of what President Rodrigo Duterte said in his weekly speech to the nation. This one was delivered on Monday, Jan. 18.

• Duterte defends negotiations with China's Sinovac for COVID-19 vaccines.
• CONTEXT: Sinovac Vaccines from China Arriving in February, Total Order 25 Million 
• Duterte tells COVID-19 immunization czar Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. to proceed with the government's vaccination plan.
• EARLIER IN THE DAY: Moderna Vaccine: Philippines Readies Order of 20 Million Doses
• Duterte asks companies to pay proper taxes to the government, says no franchise will be implemented unless they settle their dues.
• Duterte on companies: "Just because you give them franchise, it does not follow that all their misdeeds in the past are condoned."
• Duterte says the government is buying COVID-19 vaccines for the people for free.
• Duterte says 89 barangay (village) chiefs suspended by the Ombudsman for six months due to alleged anomalies in the government's cash aid program for the pandemic.
• Duterte condoles with families of Air Force personnel who died in a chopper crash in Bukidnon.
• Duterte on COVID-19 vaccines: "The earliest that we can have it is two months from now." Galvez however previously said an initial supply of COVID-19 vaccines is expected to arrive in February.
• Duterte says he received commitment from China on COVID-19 vaccines.
• CONTEXT: China to Donate 500,000 COVID-19 Vaccines to Philippines
• Galvez says COVID-19 vaccine supply deals are clean, notes that he does not handle funds for vaccine procurement.
• Galvez says the government was able to negotiate COVID-19 vaccines "at cost," claims that the government saved some $700 million (P33.6 billion).
• Health Sec. Francisco Duque III asks the public to trust officials leading the procurement of COVID-19 vaccines.