ILOILO First District Representative Janette Garin slammed the Commission on Higher Education’s decision to allow unvaccinated students and school personnel to attend face-to-face classes.

“I think CHED’s announcement is the success of anti-vaxxers. The anti-vaccine group is a very strong lobby group that is also well-organized. So palagi ‘yan silang komokontra kasi ‘yan ang kanilang paniniwala,” Garin said.

“Kapag ikaw naman eh magpadala doon, siyempre medyo matakot ka kasi you’ll be threatened with cases, then nandudoon na ngayon ‘yung nahahati ‘yung iyong desire to protect our people versus protecting yourself,” the lawmaker added.

Garin urged Malacañang to step in and decide what’s best for the people.

“Ang pananaw ko, it’s now the President’s call. Because only the President can make sure that when people in government do their job, they will be protected,” she said.

“I believe it’s a matter that should really be discussed thoroughly by government. Because when there’s a fight between pro-vaccine and anti-vaccine, kailangan na kailangan na pumagitna ang gobyerno at tingnan kung ano ba ang nararapat para sa sambayanang Pilipino,” Garin stressed.

She said the policy will place at risk adults at HEIs who already have health issues.

“I think the bigger risk there is for the professors and the employees of the state universities and even colleges and universities. Kasi medyo may comorbidities marami sa kanila above 35 years old, mayroon din dyan about 60 years old and halos karamihan dyan mayroon ng maintenance medication, which makes them prone to Covid complications,” she said.