NCR mayors eye uniform ordinance vs. 'sellers' of COVID-19 jabs, vaccine slots

Mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR) will meet on Wednesday night to tackle a possible uniform ordinance against individuals who allegedly sell COVID-19 vaccines or vaccination slots.

Interviewed on Unang Balita on Wednesday morning, Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, who chairs the Metro Manila Council (MMC), said this is in response to Malacañang's call for local government units (LGUs) to come up with such an ordinance.

"Magkakaroon kami ng meeting ngayong gabi, ng Metro Manila Council, at pag-uusapan namin 'yan, para uniform po 'yung magiging ordinansa na gagawin ng bawat siyudad dito sa Metro Manila," he said.

(We'll have a meeting tonight and we'll try to come up with a uniform ordinance.)

On Tuesday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque urged LGUs to  enact an ordinance providing sanctions to individuals who sell COVID-19 vaccines or vaccination slots.

The alleged illicit sale of vaccines and vaccination slots came to light after screenshots of the supposed "under the table" trade went viral on social media.

Olivarez said based on their investigation, no such illegal activity is happening in Parañaque.

"Pinaimbestigahan natin 'yan pero wala sa Paranaque," he said, adding the investigation was conducted jointly by the police and the city health office.

(We had that investigated and based on the results, there is no such thing happening in Parañaque.)

Manila, under Mayor Isko Moreno, has already issued an ordinance banning the sale, distribution or administration of COVID-19 vaccines for gain, income or profit.

Those who will be caught violating the ordinance will be penalized with a fine of P5,000, jail time not exceeding six months, and revocation of business license.

They will also be banned from doing business in Manila.  --KBK, GMA News