Geneva, Switzerland – With a strong desire to deliver a concrete outcome in the MC12, the Philippines called for unity to finalize a comprehensive framework to address the COVID-19 pandemic and future pandemics, which would include a waiver for at least COVID-19 vaccines while stressing the need to pursue a decentralized and increased production not only of vaccines but also therapeutics.
Speaking before 163 fellow members, DTI Assistant Secretary Allan B. Gepty stressed that as we “adjust our respective strategies to deal with the Covid virus as an endemic disease, we believe the Declaration provides a forward-looking framework that will help us to effectively respond to seasonal surges, the emergence of new variants, or new pathogens. As we learn from our experience during the pandemic, we see value in improving the notification toolbox, providing mechanisms for consultations, and enhancing information exchange within WTO bodies to mitigate against supply chain disruptions.”
The WTO Trade and Health Declaration covers an expansive set of trade rules and disciplines including transparency, export restrictions, trade facilitation, regulatory cooperation, intellectual property, food security, and technology transfer.
During the session, the Philippines assured the membership of support to the emerging consensus. As Members continue to finalize a waiver for COVID-19 vaccines under the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement, Assistant Secretary Gepty emphasized that “the Philippines continues to support pursuing all avenues that will allow for the decentralized and increased production of therapeutics and vaccines, including through voluntary technology transfer, which remain key to unlocking the door to recovery especially for the majority of developing countries and least developed countries.” To date, the Philippines has administered 159 million vaccine doses and has vaccinated 77% of its targeted population.
Reiterating the statement of Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo in the Session on the Challenges Facing the Multilateral Trading System, Assistant Secretary Gepty stated that Ministers in the MC 12 “represent not just trading economies but also humanity.”
The “WTO Ministerial Declaration on the WTO Response to the Covid-19 Pandemic and Preparedness for Future Pandemics” and Ministerial Decision on the TRIPS Agreement are expected to be issued on 15 June 2022.
Philippine Statement
MC12 Thematic Session: Trade and Health
13 June 2022
As delivered by DTI Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo
On behalf of our Minister Ramon M. Lopez and of the 110 million Filipinos, I would like to greet DG Ngozi a happiest birthday.
Excellencies and Colleagues:
Good morning. I have listened intently to what others have said and I am heartened by the unity shown this morning, demonstrating our shared objective for a multilateral outcome on trade and health. The Philippines commends the work of Ambassadors Castillo and Gberie as well as Director-General Ngozi and DDG Gonzalez in facilitating negotiations that have produced delicately balanced texts reflecting the interests of the full membership.
As a co-sponsor of the Trade and Health Initiative, the Philippines is pleased to see the initiative’s core rationale reflected in the WTO Declaration. As we adjust our respective strategies to deal with the Covid virus as an endemic disease, we believe the Declaration provides a forward-looking framework that will help us to effectively respond to seasonal surges, the emergence of new variants, or new pathogens. As we learn from our experience during the pandemic, we see value in improving the notification toolbox, providing mechanisms for consultations, and enhancing information exchange within WTO bodies to mitigate against supply chain disruptions.
While we would have liked to see more ambitious language on export restrictions, we are heartened that members have committed to ensure that emergency measures are targeted, proportionate, transparent and temporary. One silver lining to the pandemic is that regulatory authorities were able to digitize and fast-track the frictionless movement of medical goods. We have been afforded an opportunity to solidify these best practices to ensure future resilience and feed into broader discussions on trade facilitation. The Philippines plays a crucial role in the shipping and logistics sectors which are vital to supply chain recovery, and for this reason, we would be pleased to share our experience through our green lanes for goods and the deployment of seafarers.
A multilateral outcome must also include a concrete action on intellectual property. We are heartened by the convergence reached in the draft Decision and will support the emerging consensus. While a balance must be struck between protection and access to intellectual property, the Philippines continues to support pursuing all avenues that will allow for the decentralized and increased production of therapeutics and vaccines, including through voluntary technology transfer, which remain key to unlocking the door to recovery for the majority of developing and least developed countries. Finally, let me end with what we have stated yesterday through Undersecretary Ceferino Rodolfo that we are here this week to represent not just trading economies, but also humanity. Thank you. ♦
Date of Release: 15 June 2022