Travelers who want to enter the National Capital Region (NCR) and Bulacan must show their COVID-19 vaccination cards at checkpoints before allowing entry to the quarantine borders, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Thursday.
PNP said Bulacan and Metro Manila cities “have instructed police personnel to check for proof of vaccination of inbound travelers.”
“Those without vaccination cards will be barred from entering and will be asked to go back,” PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos said.
PNP maintained that such a strict measure only aims to prevent the spread of COVID-19 amid traffic congestion in Bulacan.
“The PNP is fully aware that movement must not be hampered, but non-essential travel can be controlled. Just stay at home at this time when you have nothing important to do outside,” Carlos said.
Those who have not been vaccinated should stay at home unless they have to care for essential things.
Vaccination card required for travelers entering NCR, Bulacan – PNP
Minors would not be allowed to go out of their house except for essential trips such as buying food, basic goods, services, and work.
According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos, the unvaccinated will not enter malls, restaurants, and public transport for as long as the region remains under Alert Level 3.
According to the Commission on Human Rights, it is reasonable to restrict the freedom of movement of the unvaccinated as long as they still have access to essential services.
CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia suggested that limiting other unvaccinated rights are allowed in some situations, especially in national emergencies such as pandemics.
But it must be based on human rights standards. In addition, the policy must be legal, necessary, proportional, non-discriminatory, and based on the Syracuse Principles published by the United Nations in 1984.
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