Jail time, fines await violators of COVID-19 vaccination policy in QC

Vaccination held at Smart Araneta in Quezon City. Photo from Philippine Daily Inquirer/Niño Jesus Orbeta

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government on Thursday warned of imprisonment and fines for residents violating the rules on COVID-19 vaccination.

“This should serve as a warning to those who want to take advantage of the city’s vaccination program through illegal means. We won’t take your illegal acts sitting down and we will go after you with the full force of the law,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.

Belmonte issued the warning  after learning that some vaccinees present a fake notification message from the local government.

The messages claimed that the receiver is up for immunization. But upon verification, their names were not on the list of vaccinees for the day.

Under Ordinance No. SP-3032, S-2021 that the mayor recently approved, violators will receive a P5,000 fine or face imprisonment of one month to six months or both, depending on the court’s decision.

In the event that the illegal act is committed by a firm, partnership, corporation, or other juridical entity, the CEO, president, general manager, or officer in charge would be responsible.

On top of these, violators may also face charges for violation of Republic Act No. 9771 or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 1991.

Also prohibited under the ordinance are the fraudulent sale, purchase, distribution or administration of COVID-19 vaccines or inoculation slots, tampering of COVID-19 vaccination cards, and misrepresentation of vaccination status.

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