THE Cebu City Council approved on its third and final reading the Anti-Sale of Covid-19 Vaccines Ordinance in the City of Cebu on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.
This ordinance was authored by Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon.
The ordinance aims to ensure that no person or entities will take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic by "vaccine-fo-sale schemes" or any act that would violate the Republic Act. No. 115251 or "An Act Establishing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination Program Expediting the Vaccine Procurement and Administration Process, Providing Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes."
Dizon sais this measure will also protect the City Government residents against those who will take advantage of the public's fear against Covid-19.
The said ordinance also prohibits the sale of vaccination slots and the falsification and/or alteration of Covid-19 vaccine cards; misrepresenting any information requested by authorities; sale, advertisement, distribution, solicitation, and administration of fake Covid-19 vaccines, and misrepresentation of vaccine status.
Under this ordinance, any violator will be penalized with an administrative fine of P5,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months, or both depending on court discretion.
Meanwhile, if the one who will violate the ordinance are public officials, they will be dismissed and disqualified permanently from holding any city or government position, while directors, officers, or employees of a juridical entity would be the ones found to violate this, they will be charged and penalized.
The City Legal Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office under the City Treasurer's Office, the Cebu City Police Office and all the barangay captains of Cebu City are the ones tasked to implement this ordinance. (WBS)