Drilon urges Duterte to convince PAO chief to get vaccinated

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon urged President Duterte to persuade Public Attorney's Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Drilon stated that Acosta's stance undermines the government's vaccination efforts and could fuel vaccine hesitancy, as she has not been vaccinated due to age and health issues.

He warned that allowing Acosta to work despite being unvaccinated would create a double standard, especially when the government restricts unvaccinated ordinary citizens.

The senator emphasized that the government should apply its policies universally to maintain credibility, noting that Acosta is bound to follow government policies.

Acosta has previously stated that the 'no vax, no ride' policy is unconstitutional, but Drilon countered that the issue is more about the credibility of the government's vaccination program.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III and other colleagues in government have also called on Acosta to get vaccinated.