PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Dionardo Carlos has warned the public of stiff sanctions against persons who would use fake vaccination cards to pass through quarantine control points and avoid transport restrictions imposed by the government amid the increase of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the country.
Carlos reminded that a person who will be caught using fake vaccination cards may be charged for violation of Republic Act 11332 or the mandatory reporting of notifiable disease law, which is punishable by a P20,000 to P50,000 fine or imprisonment of one to six months, or both.
The top cop has ordered police to be more alert in enforcing restrictions against unvaccinated individuals.
The PNP has access to an electronic verification system to check if a person is already vaccinated through the database of the respective LGUs or the health department.
Just recently, Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani posted on her Facebook page photos of two confiscated fake vaccination cards.
Guiani said the 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 said.
The Department of Transportation 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.
As of January 15, 2022, the Philippines had a total of 280,813 active Covid-19 cases.
The country recorded a total of 3,168,379 Covid-19 cases, with 52,858 deaths and 2,834,708 recoveries.