Palace: Return of PUVs can’t be rushed

MANILA, Philipines — The government cannot let its guard down and allow every form of public utility vehicle (PUV) to resume operations due to mounting complaints from commuters.

Malacañang issued the appeal on Sunday as it asked for understanding from the public, saying it was trying to find a balance between jump-starting the economy and protecting public health.

“Metro Manila is still under general community quarantine (GCQ). Thus, the threat of COVID-19 (new coronavirus disease) still exists and is real. At this juncture, we still cannot let all modes of transportation [back] on the streets. This will defeat the purpose of quarantine. Unless a vaccine or cure is available, we must not let our guard down,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.

He added that the government was assessing the situation daily and was “trying to do more in order to help everyone.”

Balancing act

“We also reiterate our appeal to the private sector to provide shuttle services to their employees. What the administration is doing is balancing the need to revitalize the economy so that we can have livelihood and jobs while looking out for and protecting the health and safety of the public as well,” Roque said.

His statements were in reaction to a Social Weather Stations survey showing that the suspension of public transport and the shutdown of businesses were a big burden to a majority of Filipino families.

Seventy-seven percent said the suspension of public transport was burdensome, while 80 percent felt the same about the shutdown of private businesses.

Public transportation partially resumed in Metro Manila as it eased into a GCQ, but commuters complained that there was still not enough rides.

Roque said that the Department of Transportation opened eight city bus routes last week and would open three more today.