MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is seeking the public’s understanding of the ban on bottled drinks.
DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Goddes Libiran said on Monday that the ban was for the safety of the public.
The ban was a directive from police authorities to train operators in public safety following the recent blast incidents in Mindanao.
“This is not for us. This is for them. We need to ensure their safety and security,” Libiran said in a text message to INQUIRER.net
“Di bale nang mahigpit kami sa marami kesa maging pabaya at malusutan ng isang masamang tao na kayang pumatay ng libu-libong tao (It is better for us to implement strict measures if this will ensure that no one can slip through and kill thousands of people),” she added.
According to Libiran, the department was not “turning a blind eye” on the complaints of the public regarding the stricter measures being implemented by train management.
She explained that together with police authorities, the department was setting up regulations to identify possible exemptions to the ban.
“We believe that there are certain cases that need to be considered, such as those involving breastfeeding moms, PWDs (persons with disabilities), senior citizens, among others,” she said. /ee
READ: LRT-1, LRT-2, MRT-3 prohibit bottled water at stations for security measures