Vax card not required in Comelec checkpoints

By Paulo DS. Papa

The Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office (CSPPO) belied reports that its personnel manning Comelec checkpoints are implementing the “no vax, no pass” policy even as the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Bicol lambasted uniformed personnel for prohibiting unvaccinated individuals to pass the checkpoints.

Lt.Col. James Ronatay, CSPPO spokesperson, said that vaccination card is not included in the list of documents required for inspection in Comelec checkpoints located in different areas in the province.

Checkpoint personnel are on the lookout for undocumented firearms and any suspicious cargoes in line with the implementation of the nationwide election gun ban. Motorists are required to present their driver’s license and vehicle registration papers when requested by uniformed personnel manning the checkpoints.

Ronatay said vaccination cards are required from motorists who are entering the province via the Tagkawayan-Del Gallego border.

“Kaparehas sa mga darakulang establishments digdi sa Naga, an pighahanap vax card na nagpapatotoo na vaccinated an malaog” he said.

As of press time, Ronatay said there is no report of major incident in Comelec checkpoints.

Meanwhile, Maria Roja Banua, NDF Bicol spokesperson, in a statement urged Bicolanos to stand against the policy requiring the entire population to get vaccinated to be able to obtain basic goods and services.

Banua, said the people’s human rights are violated by the “no vaccine, no pay; no vaccine, no ride and no vaccine, no labas” policy being implemented by the Duterte administration.

In Naga City, several jeepney drivers have started to require passengers to present their vaccination cards in exchange for transport services.

Naga City Councilor Salvador Del Castillo, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Reorganization, said the “no vax, no ride” policy of the Department of Transportation is a violation of human rights.

The councilor, who is a lawyer, stressed that requiring a vaccination card from passengers is unconstitutional. He added, requiring vax cards is not included in the R.A. 11525 or the Covid-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021.

“Kun private establishment, pwede sinda nin magpasunod nin susundon ta pribadong lugar iyan. Dae ko aram kun ano an pigbarasehan kan Department of Transportation pag-issue nin arog kaiyan. Baka nagsunod sana sinda sa pigsabi ni presidente. Pero dapat gabos na bagay sa laog kan nasyon may pigtutungtungan na ley saka an konstitusyon ta bako man kitang mga patal. Mag iirisip man kita” he said in a press briefing.