MANILA, Philippines — Local officials and lawmakers opposed the government’s directive to withhold the brand of COVID-19 vaccines being rolled out to the public, calling it a violation of human rights and a potential cause of bigger problems.
Senators advised against the policy for supposedly being counterproductive, saying it could further erode people’s trust in the national vaccination program.
Senators Panfilo Lacson, Risa Hontiveros, Nancy Binay, Joel Villanueva, and Imee Marcos instead urged the Department of Health (DOH) to intensify the campaign to raise confidence in the inoculation drive.
Provincial governors may formally oppose the directive from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) preventing local governments from disclosing the brand until the potential recipient arrives at the vaccination site, according to Marinduque Gov. Presbitero Velasco Jr., president of the League of Provinces of the Philippines.
For Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco and Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro, the people have the right to know and choose which vaccine to take.
‘Hesitancy’ to worsen
Velasco, a former Supreme Court associate justice, said informed consent and the right to refuse a vaccine form part of human rights. He said he would consult governors on whether to come up with a resolution against the DILG directive.
“What is important is the informed consent and that the person is informed of the risks, benefits, and alternative [brand] if any to the vaccine [he was about to take],” Velasco said.
He said local chief executives have to communicate well with their constituents about the vaccine brands available. “But no matter how much you explain, some will always have a preference and you cannot force them (to take another brand),” Velasco said in a radio interview.
Tiangco said withholding the vaccine brand would only worsen “vaccination hesitancy” among the people. “ [B]y not naming the vaccine, it would not build confidence among residents… It’s possible that they would not get themselves vaccinated if they are unaware of what shot they will receive,” the mayor said in a TV interview.
Basis of preference
Teodoro said many Filipinos preferred specific vaccine brands based on their needs and exposure to COVID-19.
“For example, medical front-liners may prefer a vaccine with a higher efficacy rate due to their high risk of infection and their immediate needs. Some people, meanwhile, have certain comorbidities and medical conditions that need to be considered when choosing a vaccine brand,” Teodoro told the Inquirer.
Senator Binay said citizens being asked to fill out an informed consent form is a recognition of the value that the government should put on full disclosure policy.
Binay said overcrowding was a communication issue indicating shortcomings on the part of the DOH in its information drive.
“Informed choice cannot be substituted with a ‘take-it-or-leave-it policy,” added Senator Villanueva.
Senator Marcos warned that it will be a “nightmare guessing the second dose if they don’t know the brand of the first dose.”
—REPORTS FROM Maricar Cinco, Melvin Gascon, Nestor Corrales, Nikka Valenzuela, and Meg Adonis
RELATED VIDEO
