Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso has signed an ordinance that will regulate the mobility of unvaccinated individuals around the city following the decision of Metro Manila mayors to further limit the movement of those who refused to get inoculated.
“While it is true I agree (with the decision of Metro Manila mayors), we were the first city to ban the mall of the unvaccinated. I think that is a message already. In fairness to the mall owners and operators, they complied. We’re going to push them, but in the end, we have to make a decision,” Moreno stressed.
The 47-year-old Action Democratic standard-bearer said they need to impose restrictions on the mobility of those who remain unvaccinated as to prevent the further spread of Covid-19, particularly its highly-contagious Omicron variant.
“What the Metro Manila mayors have agreed upon, it is getting tighter and tighter. But I am patient because I believe that people are reasonable,” Moreno said.
Moreno asked Manila city residents to wait for the ordinance’s publication in newspapers to get more information about it.
“In a few days from now, God will have mercy when we implement our ordinance, we have nothing to blame. Because it is very unfair, because we must also be fair. It is very unfair to the vaccinated, to those in line, to those who persevere for protection of themselves. Very unfair to them, “Moreno pointed out.
“And I want you to know that there are only a few of you who are unvaccinated, but you are the ones who are likely to infect, spread and possibly die due to Covid infection,” he said.
Moreno, at the same time, appealed to those who still refuse to get vaccinated to listen to “Science” and avoid believing misinformation being peddled by anti-vaxxers.
He added that despite the refusal by some individuals to get the jab, the City Government of Manila will not get tired of reaching out to
them.
“We will continue to reach out. We’re not bragging, but you can see the vaccinations at the Health Center, schools, shopping malls and drive-thru. All kinds of options, all kinds of access, are in place.
Our resources are running low but we are trying to extend our hand and it’s time for you to decide,” Moreno said.
“Now, the decision you will make is two things: First, for you. Second, for your family. Get vaccinated, don’t believe in ‘Marites’ (gossips). Let’s believe in science because it is a health problem, a threat to our health. you need to protect our health,” he added.
Moreno maintained that when push comes to shove, it’s high-time for them to apply and implement the laws of the city. He warned those who remain unvaccinated that things will be much harder for them if they still refuse to cooperate with the government.
“But if we need to protect the vast majority of our countrymen who have decided, cared for themselves, and responded to the government, and joined the community that vaccinated, then I think it’s high-time to police those who are unvaccinated, to regulate their movement to protect others. This is about protection of your family, of your neighbors, of our community, of our city and our country,” Moreno explained.
He said criminal charges have been filed against four persons who participated in a “No to Vaccination” rally in Liwasang Bonifacio on Tuesday.
He pointed out that lawbreakers or those who will choose to violate Manila’s laws will immediately be punished.
Moreno said those arrested are currently detained at the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters.
Meanwhile, members of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office on Wednesday went to the Manila Science High School along Taft Avenue and the Rosauro Almario Elementary School in Tondo to give booster shots to almost a hundred qualified construction workers.
Workers at the two sites who received the shots were very grateful to Mayor Isko for keeping his word and for looking after their welfare amid the ongoing health crisis.
The project manager at the Rosauro Almario Elementary School said the on-site booster vaccination is a big help for him and his subordinates because they don’t need to go out of the site anymore and face additional risks in lining up at other vaccination sites.