Lorenzana backs mandatory vaccination vs. COVID-19

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is in favor of making COVID-19 vaccine mandatory.

"Yes, it should be mandatory. Everyone should contribute to the health of the community," said Lorenzana, who chairs the National Task Force Against COVID-19.

"Those unvaccinated are vulnerable [to] getting the virus and getting seriously sick. They not only burden the state by their hospitalization but will also spread the virus around."

Cabinet Secretary and acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles on Tuesday said President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to decide on making vaccination mandatory, adding this would depend on the turnout of the three-day national vaccination drive.

He said that the Omicron coronavirus variant, which reportedly can pose a higher risk of reinfection based on preliminary evidence, was another factor that could influence the decision.

Lorenzana said mandating the public to get vaccinated might be difficult without a law, but restrictions could be imposed against unvaccinated individuals.

He suggested that those who have not yet taken their COVID-19 jabs be prohibited from entering public places such malls, restaurants, and stadiums unless they show a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours.

He also said unvaccinated workers may also need to undergo RT-PCR test every week at their expense to be able to physically report to work.

Travel must also be likewise restrained among unvaccinated individuals, the Defense chief added.

Asked if Duterte would issue an executive order to mandate Filipinos to get vaccinated and help reach the government’s goal of vaccinating 70% of its target population, Lorenzana said he is not sure but local government units may come up with their own ordinances.

“I don’t know if President Duterte will issue an executive order, but [Interior] Secretary [Eduardo] Año said the LGUs can make their own ordinances. That would be the best solution now,” he said.

Lorenzana set the Ilocos Sur government wherein Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson prohibits unvaccinated people from the barangays to enter the town unless they get the jab first. According to him, Singson also requires everyone in the barangay of Poblacion to get inoculated.

At least 2.3 million COVID-19 jabs were administered on Tuesday, the second day of the vaccination drive, on top of the 2.708 million doses recorded on the first day, November 29. --KBK, GMA News