Sen. Imee Marcos slams DOH memo on child vaccination consent

Senator Imee Marcos expressed outrage at the Department of Health (DOH) for a memorandum that allows the government to override parental consent for children's COVID-19 vaccination.

Marcos asserted that the government cannot usurp parental authority, emphasizing that parents have the right to decide on their children's health and safety.

The DOH memorandum, issued on January 24, allows the state to act as "parens patriae" or parent of the nation if a child wishes to be vaccinated but their parents refuse consent.

Under these circumstances, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or its local counterparts are designated to represent the state and provide the necessary consent for vaccination.