Duterte threatens arrest for vaccine deniers; Guevarra disagrees

President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to arrest individuals who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra stated that there is no law requiring mandatory vaccination and criminalizing refusal to be vaccinated.

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo argued that constitutional provisions provide a basis for arresting vaccine deniers, contradicting Guevarra's position.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said a new law is needed to implement Duterte’s plan.

Senators Vicente Sotto III and Joel Villanueva emphasized the need for laws mandating vaccination before arrests can be made.

The Integrated Bar of the Philippines stated that Panelo’s remarks add confusion, as there are no existing laws criminalizing refusal to get vaccinated.