Vax Cards Not Required to Schools, Work, Gov’t offices in Cebu Province

Cebu Provincial Governor Gwendolyn Garcia issued a memo on Wednesday not requiring vaccination cards upon entering schools, work, and government offices in Cebu Province.

“…vaccine cards shall not be considered as an additional requirement for educational. employment, and other similar government transaction purposes nor shall individuals vaccinated against COVID-19, as indicated in the vaccine card, be considered immune from COVID-19,” the Executive Order reads.

The governor issued the memorandum after reports that teachers and parents were required to present their vaccination cards upon entering the school’s premises.

There were also reports that employees were required to present their vax cards upon entering work.

Garcia emphasized in her memo that it is unlawful to require vax cards upon entering schools, work, and government offices for transactions.

Garcia also mentioned in her memo that according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Labor Advisory No. 3, Series of 2021 employers are only allowed to encourage their employees to get vaccinated.

“Additionally, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Labor Advisory No. 3, Series of 2021 merely requires covered establishments and employers to endeavor to encourage their employees to get vaccinated. Any employee who refuses or fails to be vaccinated shall not be discriminated against in terms of tenure, promotion, training, pay, and other benefits nor shall they be terminated from employment. A no vaccine, no work policy shall not be allowed,”the memo reads.

However, the memo from Garcia did not cover the Department of Transportation’s new policy requiring vax cards in riding public transport. (ASC)