By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: Ex-Rep Andaya's Facebook page

There is no issue with individuals getting their COVID-19 vaccine doses outside their hometowns, an official from the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday.

“Kailangan nating makapagpatupad din ng portability… na kung pupunta ka sa isang lugar ay maaari ka rin namang mabakunahan kung doon ka temporary na nagse-stay or what,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said, referring to the vaccination of former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and former Camarines Sur Representative Rolando Andaya Jr.

“It depends on the circumstances. We are not so much very strict sa geographic limitations. Ang sa atin lang, ‘yung prioritization framework ay ipatupad natin,” she added.

The DOH has already been in touch with the Davao regional office and is set to release a statement in due course, according to Vergeire.

“Nevertheless, kami po ay naniniwala na ang ating regional office naman diyan sa Davao, they follow our protocols,” she said.

“Titingnan po natin kung ano po ‘yung kanilang ibibigay na information para hindi na rin po nagkakaroon ng agam-agam ang ating mga kababayan,” Vergeire added.

Last June 3, Teodoro and Andaya went to Davao City to greet mayor and presidential daughter Sara Duterte-Carpio a happy birthday and to get vaccinated there.

Following the event, netizens were quick to question the vaccination on whether two former officials are residents of the city.


Report sources: GMA News and CNN Philippines