A group of Bacolodnons opposed to the mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 held a solidarity and freedom caravan on the 158th birthday of hero and patriot Apolinario Mabini on Saturday, lawyer William Mirano said on Monday, July 25.
Negros Occidental has vaccinated 75.88 percent of its target population and 59. 81 percent of its target seniors against COVID-19, the Department of Health (DOH) reported on Monday.
While Bacolod City has vaccinated 158.25 percent of its target population and 153.53 percent of its target seniors against COVID-19, the DOH added.
“After 2 years with no vaccine and no booster shots, we are still healthy. Our stand is that the COVID-19 vaccine is not mandatory,” Mirano, who joined Saturday’s caravan, said.
RA 11525, the law establishing COVID-19 vaccination program, does not contain any provision that can be used as legal basis to force individuals to be vaccinated against COVID-19, he said, adding that it has been echoed by top government officials led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Mirano also quoted Dr. Marivic Villa, president of the Concerned Doctors and Citizens of the Philippines, as saying “the more boosters you get, the sicker you get. The more vaccines you get, the less protection you get and the higher the injury”.
“I am breathing fresh air every day since I do no wear a mask because I do not want to breathe the carbon dioxide inside the mask,” Mirano said.
Participants converged in front of the Pope John Paul II Tower at the reclamation area for the caravan that ended at the Bacolod City Government Center grounds.
They carried streamers that read “When there’s risk, there must be a choice”, “Mandatory vaccination not needed”, “We have the right to life” and “No to restrictions, lockdowns and discrimination”.
They said they would also mark “World Ivermectin Day” on Sunday.*