Isko signs ordinance regulating movement of unvaxxed individuals in Manila

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has signed an ordinance that will regulate the mobility of city residents who are not yet vaccinated against COVID-19.

According to the presidential aspirant on Thursday, there is a need to restrict the movement of unvaccinated individuals in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially the highly transmissible Omicron variant.

"While it is true I agree [with the decision of Metro Manila mayors],  we were the first city na nag-bawal sa mall ng mga hindi bakunado. I think that is a message already. In fairness to the mall owners and operators sumunod sila. Tayo pipilitin natin pero pag talagang nagkaduluhan na eh kailangan may desisyon," Moreno said.

(While it is true that I agree with the decision of Metro Manila mayors, we were the first city that banned the entry of the unvaccinated in malls. I think that is a message already. In fairness to the mall owners and operators, they follow our directive. In the end there must be a decision.)

“Kung ano 'yung napagka-sunduan ng Metro Manila mayors, pahigpit ng pahigpit 'yan. Pero ako naman hinahabaan ko ang pasensya kasi naniniwala ako ang tao naman ay makatwiran," he added.

(The agreement of the Metro Manila mayors will soon be implemented strictly. In my case, I try to be more patient.)

The city mayor asked residents to wait for the ordinance's publication in newspapers to get more information about it.

Moreno encouraged those who are not yet vaccinated to believe in science and in the effectiveness of vaccines. He asked them not to be discouraged due to the lies spread by anti-vaxxers.

"We will continue to reach out. Hindi naman po sa pagbubuhat ng bangko, makikita niyo naman ang mga bakunahan sa health center, eskwelahan, shopping malls at drive-thru. Lahat na ng uri ng opsyon, lahat na ng uri ng access, pinipilit namin. Panipis na ng panipis 'yung aming resources pero pinipilit namin habaan ang kamay namin and its time for you to decide," Moreno said.

(You will see vaccinations in health centers, schools, shopping malls, and even drive-thru. We are maximizing all our options for this vaccination.)

"Maniwala tayo sa siyensya dahil health problem po ito, threat sa kalusugan natin kaya kailangan niyo proteksyunan ang kalusugan natin," he added.

(Let us believe in science because this is a health problem that is threatening our safety.)

In a separate interview with reporters, Moreno admitted that he is not into giving incentives to those who will agree to get inoculated against COVID-19.

He said he prefers to focus on thinking and expanding ways on how to make vaccines more accessible to the public.

"Basta ako, ang focus ko, kumbinsihin kitang magpabakuna, kumbinsihin kitang maproteksyunan mo sarili mo, kumbinsihin kitang maproteksyunan pamilya mo, kumbinsihin kitang maging responsableng indibidwal sa kapwa mo, sa pamayanan mo, at sa bansa mo," Moreno said.

(My focus is to convince the public to get vaccinated, to convince them to protect themselves, to convince them to protect their families, and to convince them to be responsible citizens for the others, for the community, and for the country.)

He warned those who remain unvaccinated that things would be "harder" for them if they still refuse to cooperate with the government.

Moreno mentioned that criminal charges have been filed against four persons who participated in a "No To Vaccination" rally held in Liwasang Bonifacio on Tuesday.

He said the individuals are detained at the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters.

The Metro Manila Council has ordered unvaccinated residents to stay at home unless they will avail of essential goods and services.

President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the restriction of the movement of unvaccinated individuals as the number of COVID-19 infections continue to rise. —KBK, GMA News