Quezon City penalizes sale of vaccination slots

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has approved a measure penalizing the sale of COVID-19 vaccine slots and falsification of vaccination cards.

The ordinance, which imposes a fine of P5,000 and imprisonment of up to six months, also prohibits tampering of vaccination cards and selling of fake COVID-19 jabs.

“This should serve as a warning to those who want to take advantage of the city’s vaccination program through illegal means. We won’t take your acts sitting down and we will go after you with the full force of the law,” Belmonte said.

The local government has received reports of people showing up at vaccination sites with fake notification texts from city hall.

Other prohibited acts include misrepresentation of any information requested by authorities in relation to vaccination; sale, advertisement, distribution or administration of COVID-19 vaccines for profit and commercial purposes without any authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, and purchase of vaccines without FDA approval.

No walk-ins

The Quezon City government reminded residents and workers that walk-ins would not be accommodated at vaccination sites, to minimize crowds and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Only those who received confirmation of their vaccination schedule will be inoculated, city hall said following an increase in the number of unregistered people lining up at vaccination centers.

Belmonte condemned reports that some employers would prohibit unvaccinated employees from reporting for work.

“The employers must understand that the delays in the vaccination were due to insufficient vaccine supply and sporadic delivery to local government units, thereby making it impossible to accommodate everyone,” Belmonte said.

“As soon as the additional vaccines are delivered to the city, we will make sure that workers are inoculated,” she added.