‘No vax, no ride’ policy starts in Metro Manila’s public transport

STICK TO THE RULE Enforcing the “no vaccination, no ride” policy on Friday ahead of the Jan. 17 effectivity date announced by the government, a Manila policeman apparently doesn’t need to say much or even make eye contact. The “yantok” in his hand must be enough to say he means business. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Monday started the implementation of its “no vaccination, no ride” policy in Metro Manila’s public transportation in order to further restrict the movement of unvaccinated individuals.

The DOTr policy mandates that only fully vaccinated individuals may ride public transportation by presenting their vaccination card and a valid or government-issued identification card.

“According to [Secretary Arthur] Tugade, implementation of the ‘No Vaxx, No Ride’ policy must be tolerant and patient, but firm,” Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran said in a statement.

Exempted from the policy are passengers with medical conditions that prevents them from getting immunized; those getting or delivering essential goods and services; and, those headed to inoculation sites to receive a vaccine.

The policy covers land, sea, and air travel going to, from, and within Metro Manila.

Since the implementation just kicked off, warnings will just be given to violators. On Tuesday, issuance of tickets will start, the agency said.

The policy will remain while Alert Level 3 or higher is raised over the region.

Prior to the DOTr directive, President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered barangay chiefs to “restrain” people who are still unvaccinated against COVID-19 from going out of their houses as the country is seeing surges in new coronavirus cases.

Acting on the President’s order, the Department of Interior and Local Government later on ordered barangays to identify residents who have yet to receive COVID-19 jabs, and therefore should be restricted to their homes.

This move was viewed by some groups as a form of shame campaign in violation of the constitution.

EDV