LGUs open to issuing ordinances on mandatory COVID-19 vaccination —LPP president

League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) president and Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr. on Wednesday said they are open to issuing ordinances for mandatory vaccination against COVID-19.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Velasco said the Local Government Code includes a general welfare clause which allows local government units to pass ordinances for the welfare of their constituents.

“Puwede ho. Kami naman ho ay malamang sumunod po doon sa request na magpasa po ng ordinansa para sa mandatory vaccination [We can. We will most likely follow the request to pass an ordinance for the mandatory vaccination],” he said.

Velasco made the statement when asked about Health Secretary Francisco Duque III’s suggestion to use the power of the LGUs while the country has no national law yet for mandatory inoculation.

However, Velasco said LGUs should also consider the right to health, religious beliefs, and right to informed consent of constituents in pushing for such a measure.

He added that LGUs can place penalties in the mandatory vaccination ordinance.

Velasco also advised LGUs to be cautious in passing ordinances on the matter as they will affect the lives of people and may be questioned in court.

Meanwhile, Velasco said the LGUs also have the discretion to give cash bonuses to vaccinated employees since they are using their own resources for it.

Employees of Cebu City Hall will receive a P20,000 bonus this Christmas season provided that all of them are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. —KBK, GMA News