Don’t treat the unvaxxed like criminals – Pacquiao

SEN. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao on Wednesday appealed to the government not to curtail the mobility of Filipinos unvaccinated against Covid-19 so long as they are observing the mandatory health and safety protocols.

The senator, who is also a presidential candidate in the coming May 9 national elections, said unvaccinated Filipinos should not be forced to get inoculated but instead be educated on the benefits of getting the jab.

“Huwag po natin silang ituring na parang mga kriminal. Huwag po natin silang putulan ng karapatan na makapagtrabaho o makapamili ng kanilang mga pangangailangan (Let us not treat them like criminals. Let us not curtail their rights to work or buy necessities),” the senator said.

Pacquiao issued the statement after the Department of Transportation declared a travel ban on all unvaccinated Filipinos.

Earlier, President Duterte ordered barangay (village) officials to bar unvaccinated residents from leaving their homes.

Pacquiao said that getting vaccinated should remain a personal choice and the government should not discriminate against those who refused the jab because of their personal and religious beliefs.

The senator added that unless there is a law on mandatory vaccination, those who refused to get inoculated should be left alone.

“Walang batayan sa kahit anumang batas na pigilan ang mga hindi bakunadong indibidwal sa kanilang malayang pagkilos sa komunidad (There is no legal basis to restrict unvaccinated individuals from moving freely in the community),” Pacquaio said.