VIP Vaccine Jumpers Must Explain Why They Skipped Priorty – DOH
VIP VACCINE JUMPERS – According to the Department of Health, 5 mayors need to explain why they skipped the priority list.
Recently, the Department of Health began rolling out its vaccination program. However, several VIPs were reportedly skipping the priority list for vaccination.
Currently, health workers are on the top of the priority list. But, five mayors got vaccinated early. As such, the DOH wanted the mayors to explain themselves as the country’s vaccine supply could be at stake.
Aside from donations, the Philippines procures its vaccines from the COVAX facility which has a set of rules regarding vaccine distribution. Due to the limited supply of vaccines, the government should prioritize health professionals to avoid staff shortages. Unfortunately, breaching this requirement could mean that the Philippines may lose its deal with COVAX.
Because of this, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire urged the public should remain vigilant of the vaccination process. She said that we need to keep ensure that only people on the priority list gets inoculated first against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said the DILG will investigate the local officials linked to skipping the DOH’s priority list. According to an article from Inquirer, Densing said the following five mayors need to explain their side:
- Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City, Albay (March 16)
- Mayor Dibu Tuan of T’boli, South Cotabato (vaccinated March 19)
- Mayor Sulpicio Villalobos of Santo Niño, South Cotabato (March 19)
- Mayor Alfred Romualdez of Tacloban City, vaccinated on March 22
- and Mayor Abraham Ibba of Bataraza, Palawan (March 22).
Additionally, the DILG also stated that Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez had to explain why movie actor Mark Anthony Fernandez got vaccinated despite not being in the health industry.
“That made me angry, a movie actor who’s not on the priority list getting vaccinated”.
READ ALSO: Duterte Reveals Names of Mayors Who Didn’t Follow COVID-19 Vaccine Priority Line