Davao City gov't requires COVID-19 jabs for employees

All Davao City government employees are required to have themselves vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to a report on "State of the Nation."

Executive Order No. 45 series 2021, which was signed by Mayor Sara Duterte, mandates COVID-19  vaccination of all Davao City government plantilla, job order, contract of service and volunteers.

Under the same directive, department heads have to monitor and make sure that all personnel are fully vaccinated on or before November 30, 2021.

The Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) has been tasked to organize the scheduling of the vaccination of all city government personnel.

"Any personnel who does not get vaccinated on their scheduled vaccination date shall be required to submit a written explanation to the HRMO," according to the directive.

The Mayor's order includes sanctions for those who refuse to undergo vaccination and "shall be held administratively liable for Insubordination." 

Those who refuse to be vaccinated will be suspended for one month and one day to six months for the first offense.

For the second offense, the personnel will be dismissed from service.

Excluded from the mandatory vaccination are those with medical reason that are listed as a contraindication or bad effect in all the available vaccines.

"No other reason for exemption shall be allowed," read the order.

As of Thursday, Sept. 16, Davao City has registered 45,432 total COVID-19 cases including 34,673 recoveries and 1,359 deaths.

It can be recalled that the Department of Health (DOH) said the employee who fails to get vaccinated should not be discriminated against in terms of employment.

The agency also cited that under Republic Act No. 11525 or COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021, vaccine cards are not considered an additional requirement for employment.. -- Consuelo Marquez/BAP, GMA News