The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a crackdown against the manufacture and use of fake vaccination cards amid the government's decision to contain the movement of the unvaccinated individuals.
PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said the use of fake vaccination cards is dangerous since it could contribute to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and may also put to risk unvaccinated individuals from the adverse effects of the virus infection.
The Department of Health earlier said that most of the COVID patients in the Intensive Care Unit of hospitals are unvaccinated.
“Don’t ever attempt to falsify the vaccination card or else you’ll face raps. Remember, this is an offense under the Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases Law," said Carlos.
If caught falsifying, tampering, or using a fake vaccination card, a person could be slapped with penalties including a P20,000 to P50,000 fine or imprisonment of one to six months, or both.
The order for a crackdown of fake vaccination cards came as Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani posted on her Facebook page photos of two confiscated fake vaccination cards.
According to Mayor Guiani, these cards were presented at a border checkpoint by two individuals, but authorities became doubtful after observing that the first and second doses only had a 10-day gap.
“Since more local government units are now under stricter restrictions, chief executives may opt to implement the ‘no vaccination, no entry’ policy in establishments or entry points, including checkpoints,” Carlos added.
The Department of Transportation has also released an order prohibiting unvaccinated individuals from boarding public utility vehicles.
Carlos believes these instances can trigger other persons to desperately look for ways to move outdoors even if they are yet to get the jab.