Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 26) — US-based drug manufacturer Pfizer applied for emergency use authorization (EUA) of its coronavirus vaccine in the Philippines, Malacañang announced on Saturday.

“It will take FDA 21 days to evaluate and approve the EUA but vaccination would start as soon as stocks become available,” explained Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.

The Pfizer vaccine is already being administered to residents in the US. It was the first vaccine to receive an emergency use authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration, with a 95% efficacy rate after two doses given a few weeks apart.