Isko Moreno: Perks should be given to vaccinated, not the unvaxxed

MANILA, Philippines — For Manila Mayor and presidential aspirant Isko Moreno, those who lined up even in the wee hours just to get jabs against COVID-19 should be the ones rewarded instead of those who remain unvaccinated even until now.

It would be unfair to those who waited patiently in line, he told reporters during his inspection at the city government’s drive-thru site for the COVID-19 booster dose rollout at the Quirino Grandstand.

“It is wrong government policy if it calls on an agency to give incentives to the hardheaded, those who remain unvaccinated until now,” Moreno said in Filipino.

He appealed to those he thought would continue refusing to get a shot to stay indoors, so they would be taken care of by their loved ones.

Moreno, who is batting for the presidency under Aksyon Demokratiko in this year’s election, signed an ordinance restricting the movement of unvaccinated individuals, except for essential activities. The measure was adopted from a resolution of the Metro Manila Council.

He also pledged to continue convincing the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and to make COVID-19 vaccines more accessible to residents.

Last week, the city government opened its drive-thru site for COVID-19 booster dose. The rollout, which operates on a 24-hour basis, resulted in long lines of cars and affected the traffic at the Intramuros and Rizal Park areas.

From Jan. 13 to 3 p.m. yesterday, the Manila city government recorded 2,183 cars that lined up at the site. At least 5,007 people have availed of the booster shots.

Earlier, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it would prohibit unvaccinated individuals from taking public transport starting this week.