MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said local chief executives will now be part of a new priority group in the government's COVID-19 vaccination program. The coronavirus task force's move places politicians under "A1.5," next only to health workers and above senior citizens, who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a briefing sought to explain that it is local chief executives who carry out pandemic-related curbs, including lockdowns. Vaccinations in the country began in March, and efforts are still on health workers, the elderly as well as those with comorbidities. In the previous months, local officials figured in vaccine-related controversy when some jumped in the line to get their jab.

Source: Philippine Star May 17, 2021 08:37 UTC