DOJ: DOLE will align policy on non-mandatory vaccination for workers

The Department of Justice on Thursday said it has clarified to the Inter-Agency Task Force that employees are not required to be vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“I emphasized that the COVID-19 vaccination program act of 2021 was clear on the non-compulsory nature of vaccination as an additional requirement for employment,” Justice chief Menardo  Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

“Unless amended or modified by Congress, it is the existing and applicable law,” he added.

Guevarra said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) took note of its comments and will align its policy.

“Wala namang nag-express ng any different or contrary position among the IATF members. The DOLE duly noted our advice and stated that it will align its policy pronouncements accordingly,” he said.

Guevarra issued the remark days after DOLE said that terminating employees is prohibited if the only reason is their being unvaccinated.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III previously said there is a legal basis for employers in areas under Alert Level 3 to require their workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. — Joahna Lei Casilao/RSJ, GMA News