Manila Bulletin
DOH urged to issue vaccine passports as proof of COVID-19 inoculation
Senator Pia Cayetano has filed Senate Bill No. 1999 seeking to create a vaccine passport program in the Philippines to track COVID-19 vaccinations.
The bill aims to establish a registry of inoculated individuals, including vaccine brand, dosage, and dates, which will primarily be digital but can also be printed.
Cayetano believes this program will aid in monitoring vaccine distribution and its effects, and passport holders may potentially receive benefits for travel, checkpoints, quarantine, and access to businesses.
The bill clarifies that a vaccine passport does not guarantee immunity from COVID-19 unless officially declared by the Department of Health.
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe also filed Senate Bill No. 1994 or the "Vaccine Passport Act" and urged the Department of Health to issue free vaccine passports.
Poe stated that the certificate as proof of vaccination should be at no cost to the recipient, as every peso is precious during these hard times.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III confirmed that vaccine passports are already included in the government's national vaccination plans.
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