MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday called on the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to enhance cooperation in developing a vaccine to treat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). During the virtual Special Asean Plus Three Summit, the President committed to the Philippines’ participation in studying a possible cure for the virus. ADVERTISEMENT“We must significantly enhance scientific cooperation, particularly in the area of vaccine and anti-viral treatment research and development,” Duterte said. He also said Asian must ensure food security by refraining from imposing “unnecessary” trade restrictions on goods. “Imposing unnecessary trade restrictions on staple foods, such as rice, and other basic commodities will be harmful to everyone.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 14, 2020 10:52 UTC