Inclusion of househelpers in COVID-19 vaccination priority list pushed

MANILA, Philippines — The government should include the estimated 1.2 million househelpers in the country in the priority list of its vaccination program, a lawmaker said on Sunday.

Probinsyano Ako Rep. Jose “Bonito” Singson Jr. lamented that nearly all employed Filipinos have been listed under the A4 priority category but the millions of domestic helpers in the country have been excluded.

Singson said househelpers were at “greater danger” of COVID-19 infection because they are sent to crowded places like markets, grocery stores and pharmacies.

—Nestor Corrales