Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) chief Persida Acosta is in hot waters after admitting on Monday, January 17, that she has yet to receive any Covid-19 vaccines.
“If ever the local officials will incarcerate me for being unvaxed, then I will fight for my cause,” she warned during an interview with ANC’s Headstart.
Acosta’s confession came after when the government prohibited the unvaccinated from using any public transportation.
Atty. Acosta clarified, however, that she is not against vaccines, but prioritizes her age and health.
“I am not anti-vaccination. Ako talaga may second thoughts ako (I have second thoughts in getting vaccinated). I am waiting for a protein-based COVID vaccine,” Acosta explained.
Although she was fighting for the unvaccinated populace, her statement became a subject of criticism.
oh my god, scandalous https://t.co/OumkTEI3Wu
— pau|o (@paudendum) January 18, 2022
Some even called the attention of the Commission on Election commissioner Rowena Guanzon.
Come on Miss Rona, how could you have missed this turd? https://t.co/WhJMJBN1qo
— Bern (@prodeeboy) January 18, 2022
Others considered her as “evil” or not “human” for being against vaccines.
I also have a confession to make: I think you are a vile person. pic.twitter.com/u5fb5vkJ8n
— JR Santiago (@oslecjunior) January 18, 2022
Is she? A person? I thought she’s of a bestial variety kind of specie.
— stargirl (@stariraygirl) January 18, 2022
Others even pointed Acosta’s confession has further decreased the confidence of the public in vaccines.
https://twitter.com/pepcarboxylase/status/1483380747347980288
https://twitter.com/utkrnwn/status/1483309863065485315
She should also be arrested for being a public official who undermines the confidence in vaccine efficacy and safety.
https://twitter.com/liambutch/status/1483400733013999616
A netizen hoped that Acosta would receive the treatment that Gwyneth Chua received after violating safety protocols, especially for someone who has a public post.
https://twitter.com/King_Plampe/status/1483432010861654027
Meanwhile, actress Agot Isidro cautioned Acosta not to make such a statement. She then added that the public should be wary of the PAO chief.
Delikado po yang mga statements ninyo, Attorney.
Ingat tayo sa Covid. At ingat tayo kay Persida Acosta.
— Agot Isidro (@agot_isidro) January 17, 2022
Although claiming that she will fight for the unvaccinated’s rights, Acosta pointed out that she understands Pres. Duterte’s decision to restrict the movement of those who have not received any vaccine.
“We cannot blame the President because he believes that the only way to curb and fight against the pandemic is vaccination. Pero it does not mean i-violate ninyo ang Konstitusyon.”
Back then, Acosta was the one who orchestrated the “Dengvaxia scare” after spreading unfounded claims against the dengue vaccine.
Her accusations caused a measles outbreak back in 2019.
However, she dismissed the connection and blamed Health Secretary Francisco Duque III for the outbreak.
“Ang may tungkulin po na palakasin ang ibang bakuna, DOH po. Sila yan, hindi tayo. Sila ho ang dapat nagpapaliwanag,” she stressed.
