ILOILO City – A violation of employees’ rights. This was how human rights group Panay Alliance Karapatan perceived the mandatory coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immunization being floated by the city government.
“Ang ‘no vaccine, no work’ [policy] isa ka paglapas sa kinamatarung sang tawo kag mamumugon,” said Karapatan secretary-general Reyland Vergara.
He told Panay News their group vehemently opposes requiring employees of establishments here to get anti-coronavirus shots.
“Puede man na kon ipilit nila nga ipatuman basta kon may malain nga epekto sa tawo, ibutang sa papel nga wala sang liwan manabat kundi ang LGU (local government unit),” Vergara stressed.
Mayor Jerry Treñas said a mandatory vaccination of workers could help the city achieve “herd immunity.”
However, following a backlash from netizens and various labor groups, Treñas clarified he was just “putting the proposal on the table for discussion.”
“We are talking about this for discussion purposes. Waay kita nagabutang sini para piliton ang tawo nga magdesisyon [magpabakuna]. This is not to compel anyone to be vaccinated just because they do not agree. Wala kita naghambal nga ginapilit ta kay ti indi kamo kaobra, pabakuna na lang kamo,” the mayor said.
COME UP WITH CONSENSUS
For her part, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region 6 spokesperson Niezel Anen Tortola-Sabrido said consultation must be conducted to reach a consensus among the concerned sectors.
“As to the executive order, definitely, DOLE will look into the possible repercussions it will have on both the labor and employer sectors,” she said.
DOLE-6 appreciated the fact that the issue was brought out early.
“This will give us the opportunity to study it and look into the pros and cons as we wait for the arrival of the vaccines,” she added.
She also clarified that DOLE-6 was not against vaccination.
AGGRESSIVE INFO CAMPAIGN
Iloilo Business Club executive director Lea Lara confirmed that the city mayor, during one of his meetings with the business/private sector, opened up about the possibility of the “no vaccine, no work” policy.
Lara, in an interview with Panay News, opined that this early the focus must be on the massive education and information campaign on the vaccine.
“I think it’s an eventuality…but ang amon gina-advocate subong we get the word out on the vaccine. I think most important subong is widespread information on the vaccination program para whatever it is that prevents people from getting vaccinated ma-address this early,” said Lara.
The 32-year-old Cheska of Guimbal town, a sales clerk at a mall here, described the proposed policy as “coercion and a violation of human rights.”
“Ako pro-vaccine ako but it should be voluntary just like any medical procedure nga may consent sang patient,” Cheska lamented.
She also wanted the government to strengthen its vaccine information campaign to make people understand it more.
“You know, ang feedback sa vaccine is indi manami. Kag para bala sa ulihi kung ano man, at least wala basulay kay una bes pa lang wala may namilit. Ang desisyon halin mismo sa imo, indi nga na-pwersa ka bala kay need mo ina for work or requirement,” Cheska added.
Thirty-four-year-old call center agent Roi told Panay News he has no objection on taking the vaccine as long as it is approved for use, its implementation is systematic, and it won’t be a financial burden to workers.
“If it will be mandatory, it should be properly coordinated with all establishments and offices. Appropriate work arrangements should be in place for those who will opt not to get vaccinated,” he added.
A father of two, Roi also stressed there must also be an effective and efficient way to check and verify who were vaccinated and not.
“It’s for the better if more people get the vaccine, but careful planning and study is needed before making it a requirement to work in the city,” he added./PN
