The Department of Transportation would be implementing a “no vaccination, no ride” policy for public transportation in Metro Manila under COVID-19 Alert Level 3.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade issued an order imposing the “no vaccination, no ride” policy while a COVID-19 Alert Level 3 level or higher in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“All concerned attached agencies and sectoral offices of DOTr are directed to ensure that operators of public transportation shall allow access or issue tickets only to ‘fully vaccinated persons’ as evidenced by a physical or digital copies of an LGU (local government unit)-issued vaccine card, or any IATF-prescribed document, with a valid government issued ID with picture and address,” the DOTr department order read.
Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered barangay captains to look for unvaccinated residents and asked them to stay home amid the spike in COVID-19 cases believed to be due to the Omicron variant.
Duterte said barangay chairpersons could arrest unvaccinated residents if they refused to cooperate.
“If he refuses, if he goes out of the house and goes around the community or wherever magpunta, he can be restrained. If he refuses, the barangay captain being a person of authority, have the power to arrest,” Duterte said.
DOTr to implement ‘No vaccination, No Ride’ policy
According to the DOTr’s order, a person is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving their second dose in a 2-dose vaccination series like Pfizer or Moderna brand of vaccines, or two (2) weeks after a single-dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.
Meanwhile, the following are exempted from the “no vaccination, no ride”:
• Persons with medical conditions that prevent their full COVID-19 vaccination as shown by a duly-signed medical certificate with their doctor’s name and contact details.
• Persons who will buy essential goods and services, such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, and medical and dental necessities, as shown by a duly issued barangay health pass or other proof to justify travel.
Under the Order, violations of the policy are considered violations of applicable general safety and health provisions under any concession or service agreements, authority or permits to operate public transportation, and other similar instrument.
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