'Experiment on me first': Duterte accepts Russia's Covid-19 vaccine offer

Philippine president says Manila can assist Moscow in clinical trials and local production of the vaccine.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted Russia’s offer of its coronavirus vaccine, volunteering to take the first shot as a gesture of trust and gratitude.

“When the vaccine arrives, I will have myself injected in public. Experiment on me first, that’s fine with me,” he said in a briefing Monday night. Duterte, who has called President Vladimir Putin as his “idol” and who’s seeking to boost ties with Russia, added that Manila can assist Moscow in clinical trials and local production.

Russia is poised to allow a vaccine developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute for civilian use even before clinical trials are completed,