Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 5) — Vaccination is not mandatory for people authorized to go out of their homes, along with those set to receive financial assistance during the hard lockdown in Metro Manila, Malacañang clarified Thursday.
“Wala pong mga katotohanan ‘yung sinasabi na kapag walang bakuna, hindi makakakuha ng ayuda at hindi makakalabas ng bahay,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said during his regular briefing.
[Translation: There is no truth to what’s being said that the unvaccinated won’t receive cash aid and won’t be allowed to go outside.]
However, Roque stressed people shouldn’t be outdoors to begin with, unless they are authorized persons outside residence (APORs).
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He also clarified that no proof of vaccination will be asked from cash aid recipients.
Roque’s remarks came after thousands of Metro Manila residents crowded vaccination sites after rumors spread there would be more restrictions for the unvaccinated.
Exactly a week ago, President Rodrigo Duterte told unvaccinated persons not to go out, and ordered local authorities to escort “spreaders” back to their homes.
Over 10 million Filipinos have already completed their vaccination, National Task Force Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon told CNN Philippines.
However, millions more are still awaiting their coronavirus shots.
Justice and Health officials have assured the public that restrictions remain the same regardless of an individual’s vaccination status.
