MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH)-Davao regional office has been asked to explain why former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro got his first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Davao even though he is not a resident of the city, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said yesterday.
“We have coordinated with the regional office at sila ay magpapalabas ng paliwanag ukol dito,” Vergeire told a virtual briefing yesterday.
However, she said those implementing the vaccination program could allow the immunization of non-residents.
“Kailangan din magpatupad ng portability, na kung pupunta ka sa isang lugar ay pwede ka bakunahan kung dun ka temporarily mag-stay. It depends on the circumstance,” Vergeire said.
She said the DOH is not very strict with regard to geographic limitation compared to the prioritization framework.
Teodoro was inoculated with China-made Sinovac during his visit to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Thursday.
Sources said the possibility that Teodoro would be Sara’s runningmate in next year’s elections was discussed during the visit.
Vergeire gave assurance that various DOH regional offices are following the guidelines on vaccination.
“Kami ay naniniwala na ang regional office sa Davao, they follow our protocol. Tingnan natin ano ibibigay na info para di mag-agam-agam ang ating mga kababayan,” she said.