Palace to LGUs: Accept obligation to ensure orderly vaccination, don’t blame Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) should accept that it is their obligation to ensure the orderly conduct of vaccinations instead of blaming it on President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks, Malacañang said Monday.

“May mga nasabi bagamat walang pangalan, binanggit na nagtrigger ng panic sa mga vaccination sites noong nakaraang linggo,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing.

(There were some statements made though no name was mentioned; they stated that someone triggered the panic in vaccination sites last week.)

Roque stressed that the crowding of people at vaccination sites happened Thursday last week while noting that the last time the President talked about this was on July 28.

“So kinakailangan naman po mga lokal na pamahalaan, tanggapin po ang katungkulan na isaayos ang pagbabakuna at ‘wag naman ibaling ang sisi sa ating Presidente,” Roque said.

(Local government units should just accept their obligation to ensure that the conduct of vaccinations is orderly and not blame it on the President.)

“Ang tinutukoy lamang ng pangulo ay ang nasa priority list na ayaw magpabakuna,” he added, referring to Duterte’s remarks that he would ask the police to escort unvaccinated people back to their homes.

(The President was only referring to those on the priority list who refuse to get vaccinated.)

While Roque did not name anyone, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said earlier that reckless statements and threats made by “somebody” against unvaccinated individuals generated fear among the public.

Roque had previously blamed fake news as the reason behind the sudden surge of people going to vaccination sites last week and warned local officials of dereliction of duty charges if they fail to enforce minimum health standards in the conduct of inoculation.

READ: At least 19,000 individuals flock Manila’s COVID-19 vaccination sites 

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