Manila Bulletin
Duque hopes legislators will pass measure on mandatory Covid-19 vax
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III expressed openness to a law making COVID-19 vaccination mandatory, stating it would be a welcome development if Congress passes such a measure.
Duque's statement comes amidst a slowdown in inoculations and impending expiration of millions of vaccine doses.
He mentioned that the government has already implemented various strategies to encourage Filipinos to get vaccinated.
The Health Secretary acknowledged that a mandatory vaccination policy would likely be controversial but hoped the public would understand the necessity given the country's COVID-19 situation and the substantial vaccine procurement.
Duque emphasized that forcing vaccination is not an option, highlighting the challenge of controlling individuals' decisions to get vaccinated.
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