Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Debold Sinas declared that he is willing to receive the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine in public, even at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, Manila, to boost the public’s confidence in getting vaccinated.
Sinas explained in a press briefing that he shares the concern of other senior officers that the police force should be the first to receive the vaccines in public. However, a survey showed that almost 30 percent of the police force are hesitant to be inoculated.
“I said that a long time ago. I will have myself vaccinated if you want in public. No problem. If you want we can do it at Plaza Miranda so it will be more public. We are very willing,” said Sinas.
“This only shows that we have faith in the vaccines and we are willing to participate in the government’s vaccination program,” he added.
Meanwhile, more than 70 percent of the PNP manpower now want to receive the vaccine. PNP personnel, including those in the frontlines are prioritized in the list of the government’s vaccination drive.
Earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte drew flak on social media after his spokesman announced that his vaccination will be done in private since he will be injected on his buttocks. Netizens took to social media to encourage the president to follow the lead of other world leaders who were the first to get inoculated and in public.
After the public outrage, Duterte’s officials said that the president is now willing to be vaccinated in public. Ronald dela Cruz