In a portion of an SMNI program called “Laban Kasama ng Bayan” uploaded in the NTF-ELCAC Facebook page, Jeffrey ‘Ka Eric’ Celiz explained that the influence of the United States of America is waning, especially in the Philippines, with President Rodrigo Duterte even pivoting towards getting closer to China and Russia.
“Nalagpasan pa niya [Pres. Rodrigo Duterte] ang capability of vaccination ng Vietnam, ng Indonesia at Malaysia, even ng Singapore,” Celiz stated.
CLAIM:
Jeffrey ‘Ka Eric’ Celiz of NTF-ELCAC says Philippine COVID-19 vaccination drive most successful among ASEAN states, President Duterte’s good relationship with China & Russia played key role
RATING:
FALSE
FACTS:
The Philippines’ COVID-19 vaccination efforts ranked the lowest among other ASEAN countries.
As of January 27, 2022, the Bloomberg News Agency’s Covid Resilience Survey ranked the Philippines last out of 53 countries, contrary to what Celiz claimed. The countries he mentioned ranked higher: Vietnam ranked 52nd, while Indonesia was at 44th, Malaysia at 27th, and Singapore at 5th. The news agency cited our country’s difficulty with administering vaccines in remote areas as one of the primary indicators for the ranking.
Moreover, the country also ranked last out of 121 countries in terms of infection control, vaccination and mobility, according to Nikkei Asia’s COVID-19 Recovery Index last September 30. Meanwhile, Vietnam ranked 118th, while Indonesia was at 54th, Malaysia at 102nd, and Singapore at 70th.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
Our country’s vaccination rollout situation should be transparently and accurately reported to the people, as Filipinos continue to struggle getting access to the COVID-19 vaccine – contrary to what some government officials claim. A Rappler report even revealed that even if residents of far-flung barrios and villages are willing to get vaccinated, the lack of manpower and absence of electricity to properly store vaccine doses greatly affect the rollout in their communities. Data also show that the vaccine supply in the country is concentrated to “economically productive regions” including Metro Manila and other places in Luzon, while regions like SOCCKSARGEN, Bicol, and BARMM continue to struggle to secure enough vaccine doses. These problems continue to create a gap between the vaccination rates in the country, contributing to the slow recovery of the Philippines from the COVID-19 pandemic. –Maez Estrada and Joseph Gloria
Altermidya Network is part of #FactsFirstPH which brings together various sectors that are committed to promoting truth in the public space, and exacting accountability on those who harm it with lies. For those interested to join the initiative, email info@factsfirst.ph.
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