UPDATE 1-Russia offers to supply Philippines with COVID-19 vaccine

* Russia says can supply or assist local production
* Philippines says offer under evaluation
* No relent in COVID-19 infections in Philippines

(Adds foreign ministry comment paragraph 6)
MANILA, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Russia is willing to supply a
coronavirus vaccine to the Philippines, or team up with a local
firm to mass produce it, its ambassador to Manila said on
Friday, as infections in the Southeast Asian nation surge.
Russia is expecting regulatory approval for its first
potential COVID-19 vaccine this month, with doses to be
administered to frontline health workers first. But the frenetic race globally to develop a COVID-19 vaccine
is raising some concern that speed could compromise safety and
that some countries could be putting national prestige before
solid science. "We are ready to supply vaccines to the Philippines," Igor
Khovaev, Russia's ambassador to the Philippines, told a virtual
news conference.
It can also invest with a Philippine partner for local
vaccine production, he said, adding that Russia was awaiting a
response to its proposal from the Philippines' foreign ministry.
The ministry in a statement said the Russian offer "has been
referred to the appropriate agencies for proper assessment and
evaluation."
Khovaev said the vaccine was "effective and safe", adding
that about 20 countries had expressed interest in working with
Russia on deployment of the vaccines.
Russia's offer comes amid concern in some developing
countries about access to a COVID-19 vaccine, with expectations
of high demand globally.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has sought closer ties
with Russia, as well as with China, in part due to his dislike
for historic ally the United States.
Duterte last month said he had made a plea to his Chinese
counterpart to make the Philippines a priority if it
successfully develops a COVID-19 vaccine. The Philippines has so
far recorded more than 122,000 cases. Asked on Thursday about the Russian vaccine, World Health
Organization emergencies director Michael Ryan said trial data
was needed to ensure any vaccines are safe and effective.