Rama tells ‘power-less’ residents: Charge at CHR-7

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama ordered the charging station at City Hall closed following the statement of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR)-7 that the ‘no vaccination, no charging’ rule might be illegal.

“If they want, then I stop already having these charging stations. And all those who want to have their cellphone charged, let them go to the Human Rights Office. I am serious!” Rama said in a press conference Friday.

Rama said CHR-7 is not aware of the situation on the ground. “Perhaps they are not aware what is the situation when charging… it’s invasive… Are you not watching it? Sometimes, they open their mouths, they do not know what they are seeing,” Rama said.

The city opened the charging station for residents who still do not have electricity at home.

Reconnection efforts are ongoing over a month since Typhoon Odette ravaged many parts of Cebu Island, including Cebu City.

 “We are generous enough to have electricity to be of use to our fellow Cebuanos but we are also conscious enough that we have to put our firm implementation because we cannot be accused of causing the spreading (of COVID-19),” Rama said.

He made it clear, though, that for humanitarian reasons, vaccination is not required when the public transacts at City Hall in availing of government services. With a huge spike in COVID-19 cases in the city – from less than 50 in December to almost 6,000 less than a month later, Rama urged residents anew to stay home when they have nothing important to do outside. He also urged those still unvaccinated to get the jab as soon as possible.

Authorities have observed that, in general, vaccinated individuals experience only mild symptoms when they contract the Omicron variant.

“Mao nay akong giingon pirmi wherever I go nga kamong wa pa magpabakuna, pabakuna na kay kamo makatakod… kamo manakod. Kamo sang naa nay bakuna, dili mag kiat-kiat… matakdan gihapon ta,” Rama said. – Sanden J. Anadia, JMO (FREEMAN)