Duterte hints at mandatory vax using police power

President Rodrigo Duterte suggested using the state's police power to compel Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra clarified that while the President correctly invoked police power for self-protection, LGUs may enact local ordinances to compel vaccinations.

Guevarra cautioned that any such ordinance could be challenged in court based on its reasonableness.

He reiterated that a national law is needed to make vaccinations mandatory for all individuals.

In the absence of a national law, the executive branch can only encourage voluntary vaccination through moral suasion and incentives.

The President's earlier statements were made during his weekly Talk to the People address, pushing for herd immunity.

Duterte reasoned that the state can compel vaccination if vaccine supply is available but people refuse, as they could be carriers posing a danger to society.

The inoculation of the general population was approved to start in October, aiming for population protection by year-end.