BAGUIO CITY: Mayor Benjamin Magalong has issued a warning to the public following the discovery of fake vaccination document transactions in one district health center in the Summer Capital involving a barangay (village) health worker and unvaccinated residents. 'To those perpetrating fabrication, know that the city government will not take this matter lightly and will get to the bottom of it. And to those resorting to this scheme to skirt the vaccination requirement, please think twice. You are not only compromising your health, but you are also engaging in a criminal act,' the mayor said. In an investigation report to the mayor dated July 29, 2022, Baguio City Police Office Director Glenn Lonogan said Lucban Health Center medical officer Dr. Maria Lourdes Pakoy verified that an unvaccinated female resident of Lower Brookside village had complained against a female barangay health worker who allegedly offered to issue her a vaccination card with QR code in exchange for P3,000. The complainant alleged that the health worker received the amount but did not produce the promised document. She demanded a refund but the worker refused to do so. Lonogan said the health worker was asked to resign from work after admitting to the deed. Screenshots of text messages submitted to investigators showed there was a similar transaction made with the complainant's neighbor. 'Dr. Pakoy also stated cases of fake vaccination cards were discovered last year when they conducted booster shots in selected venues within the central business district,' the police chief said. He said investigations will continue on the incident.
