Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 4) — The Department of Health sees no problem if a person receives a COVID-19 shot outside the individual’s area of residence.
Questions on the issue were raised earlier after former Defense Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro got his shot in Davao City, where he flew in to meet with his purported running mate in next year’s elections.
Health Spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said it is not an issue as long as the person vaccinated is part of the priority group.
“Kailangan natin makapagpatupad na kung pupunta ka sa isang lugar ay maaari ka rin namang mabakunahan kung dun ka na temporary na nagsstay. It depends on the circumstances, but we are not so much very strict sa geographic limitations. Ang sa atin lang yung prioritization framework ay ipatupad natin,” she said in a media briefing.
[Translation: We need to implement a policy that you can get vaccinated in a different area if you are staying there temporarily. It depends on the circumstances, but we are not so much very strict on geographic limitations. Our main concern is to follow the prioritization framework.]
Teodoro received a COVID-19 vaccine when he paid a visit to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte. Former Camarines Sur Rep. Rolando Andaya Jr., who joined the trip, said the younger Duterte will run for president, with Teodoro as her runningmate in the 2022 elections.
There was no immediate confirmation from Mayor Duterte and Teodoro about Andaya’s claim.
