The Department of Health on Friday said the law does not require COVID-19 vaccination for workers and those seeking employment.
In making her point, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire cited Section 12 of Republic Act 11525, which states that the vaccine cards “shall not be considered as an additional mandatory requirement for educational, employment, and other similar government transaction purposes.”
However, Vergeire pointed out: “While vaccination is not mandatory, we call on all eligible population to register to their respective LGUs (local government units) and avail COVID-19 vaccines for free, for additional protection.”
Last March, the Department of Labor and Employment said that a “no vaccine, no work” policy shall not be allowed.
Vergeire’s statement came after Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte issued an executive order on Wednesday requiring city government workers and volunteers to get vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Duterte’s order said plantilla personnel who refuse to undergo vaccination shall be held administratively liable for insubordination.
Under the local EO, a penalty of one month and one day to six months suspension will be implemented for the first offense. For the second offense, the personnel will be dismissed from the service.
Likewise, Sara Duterte said the city government would prioritize fully vaccinated individuals in the hiring of job order and contract of service workers as well as volunteers.
Excluded from the mandatory vaccination are those with medical reasons that are listed as a contraindication in all the available vaccines. —LBG, GMA News
DOH: Law never requires COVID-19 vaccination for employment
Source: Pinoy Hub News
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