MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte late Monday thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping anew for Beijing's support for the Philippines against the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

In a televised address, Duterte cited the Chinese leader's support amid the COVID-19 crisis.

"I would like to thank President Xi Jinping for his support. Kung galing ng China, wala kayong problema," Duterte said.

He said Chinese and other foreign companies are currently developing treatments against COVID-19.

"If China catches up with them, okay na. Then, maybe a miracle will happen and civilization is back on its feet. That is how I see it," he added.

The novel coronavirus that is causing COVID-19 originated from Wuhan, China.

It has infected more than 1.8 million people worldwide with more than 118,00 fatalities and 444,000 recoveries, in the latest tally of the John Hopkins University and Medicine.

As of Monday, the Philippines has tallied 4,932 infections, with 242 recoveries and 315 deaths caused by COVID-19.