Makati hits barangay’s ‘illegal’ vaccination app

MANILA, Philippines — The Makati City government on Tuesday called out officials of Barangay Dasmariñas for setting up what it described an an “illegal” registration and scheduling app for residents willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Barangay Dasmariñas’ online app was neither authorized nor linked to the city’s vaccination program “Bakuna Makati,” the city government said in a statement.

The action violated the rules set by the national and local governments on COVID-19 vaccination and has “sown confusion and frustration among residents of Barangay Dasmariñas,” the city government added.

The barangay’s move “put the lives of senior citizens in serious danger” as some of them gathered at the Colegio San Agustin, where the supposed COVID-19 vaccination program would take place, only to be sent home shortly, according to the city government.

The victims reportedly received messages confirming their schedule from the barangay’s vaccination registration portal and were told the inoculation would be done on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We shall not tolerate these illegal and irresponsible actions of certain barangay officials… We shall pursue all legal courses of action against violators, whoever they are,” the city government warned.

It added residents interested in receiving COVID-19 vaccines should register at websites www.proudmakatizen.com and www.covid19vaccine.safemakati.com.

A staff of Barangay Dasmariñas told The STAR yesterday no official would comment, claiming they were all working from home due to the weeklong disinfection of the barangay hall.

The barangay council has been “informed” about the matter, the staff added.