(FILE) INQUIRER PHOTO/LYN RILLON
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is enforcing a “no vaccination, no ride” policy in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Under Department Order No. 2022-001, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the enforcement of the “no vaccination, no ride” policy will be in effect while Metro Manila is placed under Alert Level 3 level or higher.
“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 copy 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 order read.
The order covers “all domestic travel to, from, and within NCR via public transportation by land, rail, sea, and air.”
“This [order] shall cover public transportation for individuals who reside outside NCR but who work and/or travel to the same,” it added.
The DOTr said the order is in accordance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier directive to restrict the movement of those who remain unvaccinated against COVID-19.
According to the order, a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing their primary vaccination.
But Tugade, in his order, said the following cases are exempted from the “no vaccine, no ride” policy:
• Persons with medical conditions that prevent their full COVID-19 vaccination as shown by a duly-signed medical certificate with the name and contact details of their doctor.
• 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 the travel.
“Any violation of this [order] by operators of public transportation shall be considered a violation of applicable general safety and health provisions under any concession or service agreements, authority or permit to operate, or other similar instruments,” the order further read.
/MUF
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