Alyansa ng mga Grupong Haligi ng Agham at Teknolohiya Para sa Mamamayan (AGHAM) President Angelo Palmones chided Senate President Vicente Sotto III over his opposition to the "no vaccine, no entry" policy, which the former described as a way forward in the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
"The Delta variant has shifted the debate to unvaccinated vs. vaccinated; it’s no longer vaccine hesitancy. Thus, the 'no vaccine card, no entry' policy is a forward move," Palmones told the Manila Bulletin on Thursday, Aug. 5.
Earlier this week, Sotto slammed a proposal from a local government to prohibit non-vaccinated individuals from entering commercial establishments.
“We should not force our people to be vaccinated if they refuse. Last time I heard this a free country!” tweeted Sotto, who is reporteldy running for vice president in next year's national elections.
AGHAM, a pro-science consumer advocacy group, floated last month the no vaccination, no entry policy when Philippine authorities were beginning to realize the serious threat posed by the Delta variant of COVID-19.
"Let’s remind Sen. Sotto that New York City is in the United States (US)--our model of a free country. New York will soon implement such restriction for their unvaccinated citizens," Palmones said.
"I hope our politicos will prioritize public health and safety in their political blabber," he added.
Palmones, a former congressman, also stressed the importance of having science-based remarks when it comes to the pandemic.