According to the Commission on Human Rights, it is reasonable to restrict the freedom of movement of the unvaccinated as long as they still have access to essential services.
CHR spokesperson Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia suggested that limiting other unvaccinated rights are allowed in some situations, especially in national emergencies such as pandemics.
But it must be based on human rights standards. In addition, the policy must be legal, necessary, proportional, non-discriminatory, and based on the Syracuse Principles published by the United Nations in 1984.
The CHR statement follows the agreement of Metro Manila mayors to restrict the mobility of the unvaccinated to Alert Level 3 due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases in the region.
According to the recommendation, those who have not been vaccinated should stay at home unless they have to care for essential things.
Minors would not be allowed to go out of their house except for essential trips such as buying food, basic goods, services, and work.
According to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Benhur Abalos, the unvaccinated will not enter malls, restaurants, and public transport for as long as the region remains under Alert Level 3.
CHR: Limiting movement of unvaccinated reasonable
Those who are not inoculated against COVID-19 will also be banned from hotels, country clubs, and indoor and al fresco dining.
Abalos added individuals must show their vaccination cards and identification cards upon entry into establishments.
“Para kang nag-ECQ only for the unvaccinated… Ito ay temporary lamang, ito ay habang nasa Alert Level 3 tayo para maproteksyunan din ang walang bakuna,” the MMDA chief said in a media briefing.
(It’s like an enhanced community quarantine for the unvaccinated. It will be enforced while we are under Alert Level 3 to protect the unvaccinated.)
Violators can be fined up to P50,000 or imprisoned for not more than six months.
Despite the CHR’s notice, they urged Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19 because it is a step to restore the full rights of the people.
They added, it is also a protection of our right to health.
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