Go asks to prioritize OFWs for vaccines acceptable abroad

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go urged vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. to prioritize overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and seafarers with vaccines acceptable in their destination countries, provided they present their deployment order or contract.

Go highlighted that some countries have specific vaccine brand requirements for entry, causing hesitation among OFWs to get vaccinated locally.

He stressed the need for immediate vaccination of outbound OFWs and seafarers to enable them to return to work and avoid job loss.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque raised the possibility of giving vaccine priority to Filipino seafarers and other OFWs should their overseas deployment depend on their vaccination.

Roque mentioned that if a specific vaccine brand becomes a precondition for employment abroad, there is a possibility that OFWs could be allowed to choose their vaccine brand.

However, Roque explained that the proposed vaccine priority for OFWs will be studied thoroughly, and President Duterte has yet to decide on the matter.

Health Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje stated that international-level talks are necessary to identify specific requirements, including Covid-19 vaccine brands, for OFWs and seafarers.

The government, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), will engage with countries to discuss relaxing requirements or finding ways to address concerns domestically.