PUV operators in QC told: Follow health protocols or have business permits revoked

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday warned that business permits of operators and companies of public transportation companies registered in the city may be revoked for violating health protocols against coronavirus transmission.

Belmonte said this as she issued Executive Order No. 45, which mandates the observance of minimum health protocols in public utility vehicles (PUVs) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her EO, Belmonte reiterated the mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields by all persons inside public utility vehicles, observance of physical distancing, and regular disinfection of all high-touch surfaces such as seats, armrests, and handles.

“It is necessary to reaffirm and reinforce compliance with these minimum health protocols on public transportation, considering the increasing volume of passengers as the economy reopens,” Belmonte said.

She said violators may be penalized under City Ordinance No. 2934, S. 2020 or any applicable Ordinance.

“In accordance with Section 14 of City Ordinance No. 2934, S-201, the business permit of the offending transportation company or operator may be revoked,” Belmonte said.

This is aside from the filing of appropriate charges under other applicable Ordinance or Republic Act 11332, or the “Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.”

Public transportation has been gradually reopened nationwide since the government enforced strict coronavirus lockdown measures in mid-March.

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JE