Tolentino backs mandatory COVID-19 vaccination

(FILE) An essential worker in Ilocos Sur province receives a COVID-19 vaccine. (Photo courtesy of Vigan city government)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Tolentino expressed his support on Wednesday for mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in the country.

“I do. I have written something about this. This is an old Supreme Court decision if you followed Jacobson v. Massachusetts [a] century ago. I support this,” Tolentino said over ANC when asked if he is backing mandatory inoculation.

In the Jacobson v Massachusetts case, the United States Supreme Court pronounced that the constitutional liberty of every individual does not mean an absolute right to be freed from control.

When questioned if the move would go against an individual’s choice to get a vaccine, Tolentino said that liberties could be set aside.

“The police power probably would cramp whatever individual inclination a person would have for the common good,” he explained.

“If it is for societal good, individual liberties can be set aside, especially during health crisis,” Tolentino added.

Tolentino likewise mentioned that compulsory immunization would provide employment to Filipino nurses overseas, specifically in New York.

“I support likewise the New York decision which will enable Filipino nurses to go to New York because unvaccinated medical workers in some parts of the states would not be allowed to work, opening the doors for Filipino health workers,” he said.

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