(We yield this space to the statement of human rights group Panay Alliance Karapatan due to its timeliness. – Ed.)
A GROUP of teachers of Ajuy National High School recently became victims of the school administration’s policy of discrimination after being prohibited from entry to the school campus. This was justified by the school principal by saying they are only obeying the DepEd Division Office memorandum which in turn is based on a guideline from the Inter-Agency Task Force.
We express support for the affected teachers as they decried the prohibition and invoked their free choice not to be vaccinated. The RT-PCR test which was the required alternative was too much of a burden to them. The policy is tantamount to enforcing mandatory COVID vaccination. It violates a person’s rights enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution, such as the freedom of choice in matters of personal health where, in this case, the vaccines being rolled out are still under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status.
It violates, too, one’s freedom from discrimination. There is no reason for putting any distinction or separation between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.
School administrators, employers and government officials should understand and respect the sentiments of those who still refuse or opt not to get vaccinated due to their health status. The World Health Organization (WHO) even warned that vaccines alone cannot end this pandemic and that mandatory vaccination should be avoided as it entails ethical considerations. Injecting any substance into a person’s body against his free will is a grave violation of his rights and dignity.
Significantly, the Inter-Agency Task Force, in issuing the said guideline requiring vaccine cards, violated the law, specifically Republic Act No. 11525 known as COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act of 2021 which states in its Section 12 (g), “…the vaccine cards shall not be considered as an additional mandatory requirement for educational, employment and other similar government transaction purposes.”
School administrators, as educators, should be aware that laws are to be obeyed by all. They should know that they are compelled not to follow an illegal order regardless of who issues it.
We call on the government to cease and desist from forcing the COVID vaccines on the citizens. We suggest for it to provide effective and inexpensive early treatment against COVID. It could come up with a health program that will improve people’s immunity to disease and sickness. It could provide for the basic needs especially those of the poor so they can be afforded healthy living. Only then can it be said that the government has complied with its obligation to fulfill the people’s right to health.
