DOTr exec warns public transport passengers vs using fake vax cards

FILE PHOTO: Jeepneys on the Araneta-Sta. Mesa route return on the road on Friday, July 3, 2020. Plastic sheets installed inside the vehicle separate passengers from each other to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19. INQUIRER /NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — An official from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday warned passengers against using fake COVID-19 vaccination cards just to skirt the “no vaccination, no ride” policy for public transport that will soon be implemented in Metro Manila.

During a Laging Handa briefing, DOTr Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon was asked about the enforcement of the no vaccination, no ride policy – how to determine if public transport passengers are holders of legitimate vaccination cards.

In response, Tuazon said operators and drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) are the ones obligated to check the vaccine cards of passengers.

“Kung may violation po iyan ang mananagot po nga ay iyong operator at ang driver [If there’s a violation, the operator and the driver will be accountable],” he added.

But the DOTr official also appealed to passengers to just follow the policy.

“Sa totoo lang po tayo po ay nakikiusap sa lahat po ng ating mga mananakay, sumunod na lang po tayo dito ng maayos, huwag na po tayong magdala na mga peke or mga hindi totoong mga vaccination card para sa kaligtasan po natin ito,” he said.

(Honestly, I’m just appealing to our passengers, just follow the policy, don’t use fake vaccination cards because this is for our safety.)

He said those who will present fake vaccination cards will not only violate ordinances issued by Metro Manila local governments in line with the policy but may also be sued for falsification of documents under the Revised Penal Code.

“Kaya huwag na lang po nating gawin iyon, huwag na lang nating isipin na lulusot pa po dito, magtulungan na lang po tayong lahat,” he added.

(That’s why we should not think of ways to skirt the policy, let’s help one another.)

The DOTr ordered the enforcement of the no vaccination, no ride policy while Metro Manila is placed under Alert Level 3 or higher. The nation’s capital region is currently under Alert Level 3 until January 31.

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