QC files raps vs. 2 persons who got Covid-19 ‘booster shot’

MANILA – The Quezon City government has filed charges against two persons who allegedly received a “booster” shot or a third dose of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) jab in its vaccination sites.

In a statement issued on Friday night, City Attorney Paolo Casimiro said the two are facing charges for violating City Ordinance SP3032, series of 2021, which penalizes Covid-19 vaccine fraud.

Section 3 of the ordinance penalizes misrepresentation of vaccine status, including fully vaccinated persons pretending to be unvaccinated just to get additional unwarranted vaccination.

“The complaints have been sworn into the Office of the City Prosecutor to send a strong message that the city government takes the vaccination and other pandemic-related programs very seriously. In essence, these people are stealing the vaccines, which could save the lives of others, not to mention making a mockery out of the efforts of our front-line workers. We will make sure that once proven, these individuals will be punished accordingly to the fullest extent of the law,” Casimiro said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Joy Belmonte described the acts as “greedy and selfish.”

The city government, she said, would not tolerate these actions as many have yet to receive their first shot of the Covid-19 jabs across the country.

“Nagkakagulo na nga para lang makakuha ng bakuna ang mga tao, may manlalamang pa (There has been chaos just so people could get vaccinated. Yet there are those who are taking advantage of and cheating others),” Belmonte said.

The city government earlier received a report on an individual who has received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine in another city in Metro Manila but later on registered in QC’s vaccination program through a company master list.

Reports said the man, who got his second dose of Sinovac in Mandaluyong City on May 10, received a Moderna vaccine shot in Quezon City this week and even posted about getting his “booster shot” on social media.

The post has since been deleted but a screenshot has been forwarded to the city government.

Meanwhile, another man who received two doses of Sinovac in one of the city’s vaccination sites boasted of receiving a Pfizer jab as his third dose.

However, it was not disclosed whether the man received his third dose in another vaccination center or if it was administered on the same site where he got his first two doses.

QC Task Force Vax to Normal co-chair Joseph Juico said they are looking for ways to prevent such actions by adding another layer of waivers or forms that the vaccinees have to sign.

Juico appealed to their constituents to be considerate as the vaccine supply in the country remains limited.

Belmonte, meanwhile, encouraged QC residents to become “men and women for others” and give others a chance to get vaccinated to help the city achieve population protection against Covid-19.