DOH exec: Arrest threat vs vaccine skeptics just an emphasis to protect people 

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s threat to arrest persons refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19 was just to emphasize the need to protect each other since “no one is safe until everyone is safe,” a Department of Health (DOH) official said Tuesday.

“I think it is born out of passion and the need of the President to emphasize the point na kailangan magpabakuna to help us move on para maproteksyunan ang one another. I think that is the context na kailangan natin tignan sa pronouncement ng President,” DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said in a televised briefing.

(I think it is born out of passion and the need of the President to emphasize the point that we need to be vaccinated to help us move on and protect one another. I think that is the context we need to look at regarding the President’s pronouncement.)

“Because sabi nga niya, no one is safe until everyone is safe and he wants safe and effective vaccines for all Filipinos,” she went on.

(Because as he said, no one is safe until everyone is safe and wants safe and effective vaccines for all Filipinos.)

Cabotaje, however, noted that while COVID-19 vaccines are free, recipients must sign an informed consent before getting inoculated.

In a taped speech aired Monday night, the President warned arrest for those who refuse to be vaccinated saying they are “adding to the burden.”

Over two million individuals have so far been fully vaccinated in the country.

JPV