LGUs can make vax mandatory — DOH
THE Department of Health has said local governments may pass ordinances that would make vaccinations against COVID-19 mandatory if acceptable for their constituents.
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said LGU’s may may pass ordinances under the Local Government Autonomy Act of 1992.
“Kung tingin nila ang polisiya ng mandatory vaccination ay katanggap-tanggap sa kanilang constituents, e di pwede nila gawin iyon. Nasa kapangyarihan po nila iyan. Habang wala naman po tayong national law on mandatory vaccination,” he said.
However, Duque reminded that there are other ways to encourage the public to get vaccinated such as giving incentives and information drives.
“Ang pakiusap natin, kahit na magpasa ng mga ordinansa ang mga pamahalaang lokal, meron pa rin mga ibang pamamaraan para makumbinsi natin ang mga ayaw magpabakuna na magpabakuna. Hanggang sa maari ayaw natin ‘yung sapilitan o ‘yung isasabatas pa (as much as possible, we don’t want to force people),” he said.
Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government pushed for the vaccination of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiaries first before they get their subsidy.
The Philippines on Tuesday logged 1,409 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest number of daily cases reported in almost nine months.
In another development, the DOH yesterday said street caroling will be allowed this Christmas, provided that carolers wear face masks and face shields.
“Sa pangangaroling po kailangan lang tandaan na outdoors dapat, nandyan ‘yung pagsoot ng face mask atsaka face shield,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
Vergeire reminded the public that people expel more respiratory droplets when singing, and increases the risk of transmission of the COVID-19.
Minors in the National Capital Region have been allowed to go outside after nearly two years of being forced to stay home due to the COVID-19 threat.
