Senatorial candidate and Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Sunday warned public schools not to turn away students who are not yet vaccinated against Covid-19 as the country prepares for face-to-face classes.

Escudero said he received reports that some schools have required students to present proof of vaccination before they can be registered for in-person schooling.

“This is, in plain terms, illegal. We cannot hinder access to education on any condition because this is a fundamental human right,” Escudero said in a statement.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched an early registration for academic year 2022-2023, which began last March 25 and will close on April 30.

Escudero, who is seeking a Senate comeback in the May 2022 elections, reminded that the Constitution mandates the government to protect and promote “the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels,” and to take steps to make education accessible to all.

“Even as we intensify our vaccination drive, in light of the millions of expiring COVID-19 vaccines, we cannot violate people’s right and make vaccination mandatory,” Escudero said.

“What the DepEd can strengthen is its education drive on why the youth should be vaccinated and the establishment of safety protocols in schools,” the former senator said.

The Department of Health (DOH) started COVID-19 vaccination among children aged 12 to 17 years old in November 2021, and among kids aged 5 to 11 in February 2022.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are 12.7 million Filipino youth aged 12 to 17.

“Whether these children are vaccinated or not, they are entitled to enter our public and private schools, no ifs or buts,” he said.

“Their right to quality education is unconditional and unquestionable, and COVID-19 does not change that,” he added.