Some essential workers in Olongapo City wait for their turn to get the vaccine against COVID-19. (Photo courtesy of Olongapo City Information Center)
OLONGAPO CITY — Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., on Tuesday (Aug. 31) ordered an investigation into reports of “fixers” or people offering COVID-19 vaccination slots to foreign nationals in exchange for cash.
According to the local inter-agency task force, it received information that some Korean and Pakistani nationals were asked to pay for a vaccine slot by these fixers.
Paulino lamented that despite the pandemic, there are still some people who take advantage of the situation.
He also urged the public to report to authorities any information on vaccination fixing, noting that the vaccine is free.
So far, the city has inoculated at least 50,895 eligible residents against COVID-19.
To achieve herd immunity, the city needs to vaccinate 182,000 of its 260,000 population.