Bayan Muna criticizes Roque: people have the right to be ‘demanding’ with the COVID-19 vaccine

The representative of Bayan Muna, Ferdinand Gaite. (File photo by NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos have every right to be “picky” about the COVID-19 vaccine that they would like to be injected, especially since it is a matter of public health and safety, Rep. Ferdinand Gaite from the party list de Bayan Muna said the group in a statement released Monday.

Gaite was reacting to a comment made by presidential spokesman Harry Roque during a press conference that Filipinos, while entitled to good health, should not be “picky” about the COVID-19 vaccine they should have.

“Mr. Roque, if it is about security and effectiveness, if it is about public money, then people have the right to be ‘selective’,” Gaite said.

“It is their job and responsibility to the public to ensure that the vaccine is safe and effective,” he added in Filipino. “It’s only fair that they are ‘picky’ for their own safety.”

“What you said makes it seem like the welfare of the public is not the main concern [of government officials]. It seems they just want to end this. While it’s done, whatever happens. It is the same haphazard attitude that we have seen in their response to the pandemic from day one, ”he continued.

During the briefing, Roque also said that people prioritized to get vaccinated could choose not to participate, but would have to sign a waiver stating that they did not receive the vaccine. So, along with the rest of the public, they would just have to wait for other vaccines to become available.

“There is no option to choose because we really cannot control what is to come. And this is free, ”said Roque, speaking in part in Filipino. “It is true that we all have the right to good health. But we cannot be delicate about it because you have to inject many Filipinos. “

There is a growing preference among some Filipinos for vaccines from Western countries, such as those made by Pfizer and Moderna, rather than those developed by China.

This thinking grew after the Sinovac vaccine, which comes from China, was revealed to have a 50 percent efficacy rate. This is much lower compared to other vaccines that have an efficacy rating of around 90 percent.

But Roque ruled out those who had this preference for having a colonial mentality. He also noted that vaccines such as Pfizer’s could not be transported to remote areas as they would require a cold chain facility to remain effective.

In response, Gaite said: “The Palace should not underestimate the public’s concern for their health and safety. It is not too much to ask the government to make sure that the vaccine to be used is safe and effective. Whether the vaccine that will be used to vaccinate the public is purchased or donated for free, the law requires that it be certified as safe and effective. “

“They will honestly study and inform the public about the information they need to know about the vaccine to be injected. They need to reassure people of that to strengthen their confidence in the government’s vaccination program, “he added.

“They must study and honestly report the information they need to know about the vaccine that they would inject. They need to reassure people to strengthen their confidence in the government’s vaccination program. “

[atm]

The Inquirer Foundation supports our healthcare leaders and still accepts cash donations to be deposited into the Banco de Oro (BDO) checking account # 007960018860 or donate through PayMaya using this link .

Read next

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.

For comments, complaints or inquiries, please contact us.