Ordinance restricting mobility of unvaxxed persons in Iloilo City pushed

A joint committee of the Iloilo City Council will conduct a public hearing on the proposed ordinance that seeks to restrict the movement of unvaccinated individuals in the metropolis.

Backed by Mayor Jerry Treñas, the ordinance was referred to the Committee on Rules and Committee on Health chaired by Councilors Romel Duron and Allan Zaldivar, respectively.

Duron said they will hear first the sentiments of various sectors on the measure.

The councilor stressed that laws and ordinances enacted are anchored on the general welfare of the people.

“Although wala pilitay, we cannot compel sang tawo maski indi sya ya magpabakuna but we are allowed to restrict their movement especially in areas nga daw may danger bala. We are not here to protect only the unvaccinated but also the vaccinated,” said Duron.

Under the ordinance, all non-fully vaccinated persons are required to remain in their residences at all times except for the procurement of essential goods and services.

Those non-fully vaccinated persons must present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within the last 72 hours to obtain essential goods or services.

They are also prohibited in indoor and outdoor/al fresco dining in restaurants and other food establishments as well as from leisure, social trips to malls, hotels, event venues, and country clubs.

In workplaces, non-fully vaccinated persons are required to undergo a RT-PCR test every two weeks at their personal expense and present a negative RT-PCR result prior to being admitted for work onsite, subject to issuances of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and the Department of Labor and Employment.

Meanwhile, the presentation of LGU-issued COVID-19 vaccination cards, or DOH-issued vaccine certificates or Certificate of Ineligibility is also required when entering all establishments.

Establishments offering essential services and goods which are located within malls are mandated to require the presentation of vaccination cards for fully vaccinated individuals, a negative RT-PCR test result taken within the last 72 hours for non-fully vaccinated persons and a Certificate of Ineligibility for persons ineligible for vaccination.

On the other hand, establishments offering goods and services which are unessential are mandated to assign a worker/s to check the documentary card/certificates together with a valid ID of all patrons entering their premises to ensure that compliance to the ordinance is maintained.

The ordinance further provides that persons ineligible for vaccination which may be allowed entry to the establishments provided their ineligibility is duly certified by their pastor/priest or respective District Medical Officer.