Philippines’ Duterte Threatens to Jail Those Who Refuse to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Yes, we have fines for practically everything in Singapore. In fact, you can get slapped with a fine for leaving your trays behind after a meal, starting from September onwards.

Truly a fine city indeed.

Just be glad we’re not a jail city instead, because it seems that the Philippines is about to claim that title.

Philippines’ Duterte Threatens to Jail Those Who Refuse to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to jail those who refuse to take the COVID-19 vaccine in a televised address on Monday (21 Jun).

According to Reuters, the Philippines has faced one of the worst COVID-19 outbreaks in Asia, with over 1.3 million cases and 230,000 deaths so far. It’s not hard to see why a high vaccination rate would be helpful in stemming the spread.

Though I have to say, though several countries have began using a carrot-and-stick approach to encourage vaccinations, I’ve seen a lot more persuasive ways to entice a population to receive their two shots.

For one, residents of Moscow might win a new, free car if they receive the first of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine anytime from 14 June to 11 July!

On the other hand, Pakistan has decided to hit where it hurts the most. In a world where phone usage is rampant and the digital space has taken up an important part of our lives, the country has planned to cut the mobile phone service of residents who refuse to take the vaccine.

What an innovative method!

But for those in the Philippines, their leader has delivered a harsh ultimatum: “You choose—vaccine or I will have you jailed.”

He was responding in a televised address to the reports of low turnouts at several vaccination sites in Manila, the country’s capital.

However, his announcement goes against those of his health officials, who have said that while people are urged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, they are, in fact, not forced to do so.

Bloomberg noted that Duterte’s threat could be among the severest measures to boost inoculations in a nation where the majority are unsure of or reject vaccines. Physical classes are still barred and wearing a face shield is still mandatory in the Philippines.

He even added that village leaders should keep a list of those who refused to be vaccinated.

As of 20 June, 2.1 million out of 110 million residents in the Philippines have been fully vaccinated, which is less than 2% of the population. The government plans to vaccinate 70 million individuals by the end of this year.

ICC’s Probe Into Drug War Killings

In addition to his severe response to those who refuse to get vaccinated, Duterte criticised the International Criminal Court (ICC) after an ICC prosecutor had sought permission from the court for a full inquiry into the drug war killings in the Philippines.

Human rights groups claim that drug suspects have been executed while Duterte asserted that only those who violently resisted arrest had been killed.

To that news, he repeated that he would not cooperate with the probe and called the ICC “bullshit”.

“Why would I defend or face an accusation before white people. You must be crazy,” he said.

Feature Image: Facebook (Rody Duterte)