Duterte said while the Black Nazarene procession or Traslacion is important to Catholics, the government has to implement measures to protect public health and safety. Duterte said he would write a letter to the Catholic Church formally requesting the canceling of the religious events. Epidemiologist John Wong cited the need to administer COVID-19 vaccines efficiently and to remind the public to avoid superspreader events. Booster jabsNograles reiterated the need to ramp up vaccination efforts as Metro Manila and nearby provinces record sharp increases in the number of infections. Galvez reported that as of December 28, Metro Manila has 10.4 million fully vaccinated persons with 6.5 million due for a booster dose.

Source: Philippine Star January 05, 2022 13:47 UTC