The work of tracing the origins of COVID-19 needs a scientific answer, instead of a political one, said Philippine Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday.

Permanent representatives of 48 countries to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG) addressed World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus last month, opposing the politicization of origin tracing.

The diplomats highlighted that COVID-19 is a common enemy of mankind, and it can only be defeated by solidarity and cooperation of the international community.