As a federal lawsuit in the United States questions claims about the safety of the childhood vaccine schedule, the Philippine Department of Health is recommending minor penalties for parents who refuse to vaccinate their children.
Children’s Health Defense filed a case in U.S. federal court against the American Academy of Pediatrics, alleging violations of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act over vaccine safety representations. The lawsuit remains an allegation and is pending before the court.
In Manila, DOH Undersecretary Emmie Liza Chiong told lawmakers during a House Committee on Health hearing that parents or caregivers who, after due notice, “consciously neglect to give children protection from vaccine-preventable diseases” should face minor penalties. The proposal is part of legislation to strengthen the country’s immunization program and institutionalize the Immunization Agenda 2030.
The DOH cited low coverage rates as basis. From 2018 to 2022, national immunization coverage ranged from 60 to 70 percent. In 2025, fully immunized children reached 64.27 percent, or about 1.5 million, still below the 95 percent target. Lawmakers also flagged vaccine wastage and distribution problems in remote areas such as Batanes.
The proposal has fueled wider debate. In a recent episode, PGMN Anchor Brandon Vera revisited the COVID-19 rollout and criticized policies that linked jobs and school access to vaccination status. He said those who hesitated faced social and professional consequences. Vera framed the issue around bodily autonomy and parental authority, arguing that medical decisions for children should rest with families, not enforced by the state.
Lawmakers are now weighing a central question: Should the government impose penalties to raise immunization rates, or leave decisions entirely to parents? The tension between public health policy and parental choice is now at the forefront.
