DILG warns public on fake vax cards

THE INTERIOR Department warned the public against so-called “Covid-19 Vaccination Exemption Card” that can allegedly be used by unvaccinated individuals to be exempted from stay at home orders, ride public transportation, and enjoy other privileges.

“The public is warned that there is no such thing as a vaccination exemption card. This is not authorized, issued, nor recognized by the government. In other words, these (cards) are fake,” said DILG spokesman Jonathan Malaya. 

He said the “Covid-19 Vaccination Exemption Cards” which supposedly originated in Facebook groups and social media chat groups were reported in Mindanao, particularly in Regions 11 and 12. The Covid-19 Vaccination Exemption Cards can allegedly be registered with the local governments and are supposedly recognized by authorities in lieu of genuine vaccination cards. 

Malaya said the government will never issue nor recognize such cards because this runs counter to the government’s national vaccination program to inoculate the majority of the populace to achieve population protection. 

“Malaking kalokohan ito. Hinding-hindi mag-iisyu ng exemption ang pamahalaan kanino man (maliban na lang for medical reasons) dahil ang gusto nga natin ay mabakunahan na ang lahat bilang proteksyon laban sa iba’t ibang Covid-19 variants. Nakakagalit na ayaw na nga nating magpabakuna ay pinapaniwala pa natin ang iba na puwede silang ma-exempt. Marami na pong nabiktima at namatay sa Covid-19. Ang bakuna ang nakasalba sa maraming tao sa mundo,” he said. 

According to reports received by the DILG, people are being asked to put their name, birthdate, address, and signatures to the Covid-19 Vaccination Exemption Cards being shared in social media and have the cards printed, laminated, and registered to their barangay, city or municipal governments. 

“The so-called exemption cards look similar to the green Covid-19 Vaccination Cards being issued by several LGUs. Sa biglang tingin aakalain itong tunay dahil pareho ng kulay, format at hitsura,” he said. “Nananawagan tayo sa publiko na huwag magpapaniwala sa mga taong nagpapakalat ng “Covid-19 Vaccination Exemption Cards” at wala pong ganoon at peke po iyon. Agad mag-report sa mga awtoridad kung merong ganitong insidente sa inyong mga lugar.” 

Malaya called on local authorities to be more vigilant in their inspection of vaccination cards at provincial and regional borders to ensure that only those who had been vaccinated will be allowed to travel across borders or be allowed to use public transportation. 

“Magiging mabusisi po tayo sa pag-iinspeksyon dahil baka nalulusutan tayo ng mga hindi pa nababakunahan. Ang paghihigpit natin ay para na rin sa kanilang proteksyon at kapakanan dahil wala silang kalaban-laban sa Covid-19,” he said.

According to the Department of Health and National Task Force against Covid-19 Joint Administrative Order No. 2021-0001, a standardized Covid-19 vaccine card shall be issued to vaccine recipients to ensure completion of the required doses by documenting details of their vaccination subject to the provisions of RA 10173 or the “Data Privacy Act of 2012.” (Zamboanga Post)