"IT’S illegal."
This was stressed by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III when asked about the alleged implementation of the "no vaccine, no work" policy by some employers in the country.
Bello, on the sidelights of distribution of financial aids under Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or (Tupad) program at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, emphasized that vaccination is currently not mandatory.
"You cannot force anyone to be vaccinated," Bello said, adding that "we all live in a democratic society, wherein every person has his or her own freedom of choice."
He said the "no vaccine, no work" policy can only be implemented if a law providing for it is passed.
As to the resolution issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to which businesses are currently allowed to operate, Bello said the policy is limited to three workplaces, including restaurants, hotels, and wellness industries such as spas and hair salons.
Restaurant, for example, can operate through al fresco dining at 50 percent capacity, as long as its employees are all vaccinated against coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
The labor secretary added that restaurant owners have the power not to let unvaccinated employees to enter into the restaurant's premises to work due to the IATF's policy, but their status as employees must still be maintained.