The Palace clarified that the “mega vaccination center” to be built on the land of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation (NPF) in Parañaque City will not be permanent.
This is after Malacañang’s warning on Monday against the NPF board not to block the construction of the facility.
Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said Tuesday that only tents will be set up on the land.
“Parang mga tents lang din po ‘yan, parang ‘yung ginawa rin na mga tent facility na ginagamit na COVID isolation,” said Roque.
At the same time, the Palace also reminded the board that the President’s power includes the construction of a vaccination facility there.
The resigned executive director of the NPF reiterated that they are not against this but that the construction of the vaccination facility here must be in accordance with the law.
On April 8, he said, they approved the construction of the vaccination facility. There is also a quarantine facility in place in the area run by the government.
Legalities of planned mega vaccination site in Nayong Pilipino questioned
What they are questioning is why the mega vaccination center to be built will be run by a private company.
“Sinabi po talaga namin na we can’t agree to use by the private sector kasi bawal po ‘yan sa batas, nakasaad po kasi sa batas natin,” said Lucille Karen Malilong-Isberto, resigned officer.
She is leaving it to her successor to decide what the next step of the Nayong Pilipino and the Department of Health will be in relation to what the agreement will be.
But apart from the legality of the incoming agreement, she said, the impact of the facility on the environment should also be considered.
The weeds are thick and high and still need to be leveled where the mega vaccination center will be built. Ipil-ipil trees where birds live will also be affected.
From the footage of the Nayong Pilipino Foundation drone, it can be seen that it is also close to the coastline of Manila Bay.
“Yung environmental issue is part of the legal issue. ‘Yung area po kasi within 2.5 kilometers from Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat na protected area which is a Ramsar site, part po siya ng bird fly-way network,” said Malilong-Isberto.
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