The Department of Health (DOH) said that it’s okay for people to get a jab of the Covid-19 vaccine outside their city of residence.
The DOH made the statement after two former government officials received their vaccines in Davao City even though they are from Luzon.
“Kailangan nating makapagpatupad din ng portability… na kung pupunta ka sa isang lugar ay maaari ka rin namang mabakunahan kung doon ka temporary na nagse-stay or what,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
“It depends on the circumstances. We are not so much very strict sa geographic limitations. Ang sa atin lang, ‘yung prioritization framework ay ipatupad natin,” she added.
Former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and former Camarines Sur Representative Rolando Andaya Jr. received their Covid-190 jabs during their visit to Mayor Sara Duterte on Wednesday to greet her on her birthday.
Netizens slammed both officials for receiving the jabs even though they are not Davao City residents.
Vergeire explained that the health agency is already coordinating with its regional office in Davao. The regional office is expected to release its own statement regarding the issue.
Both Teodoro and Andaya did not comment on the issue.
“Nevertheless, kami po ay naniniwala na ang ating regional office naman diyan sa Davao, they follow our protocols,” she said.
“Titingnan po natin kung ano po ‘yung kanilang ibibigay na information para hindi na rin po nagkakaroon ng agam-agam ang ating mga kababayan,” Vergeire added. Ronald Espartinez