Bello: Reformulated policy on commuters’ ‘no vax, no ride’ out soon

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — There will be a “reformulation” of the “no vaccination, no ride policy” in Metro Manila, Secretary Silvestre Bello III, of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said on Tuesday.

“Mayroon tayong reformulation ng policy na yan, but I am not at liberty to reveal that,” Bello said over Teleradyo, pointing out that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will soon make the formal announcement.

(We have a reformulation of that policy, but I am not at liberty to reveal that.)

Bello said he had a meeting with Cabinet officials like Transportation Secretary Art Tugade, Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, and DILG Secretary Eduardo Año.

“Nag-meeting kami, we came up with a new formulation of no vax, no ride policy, at lalabas siguro either today or tomorrow,” Bello added.

(We had a meeting, we came up with a new formulation of the no vax, no ride policy and it may come out maybe today or tomorrow.)

DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran, when asked about the “reformulation,” told INQUIRER.net that it will be released “this week.”

“DOLE, DILG and DOTr shall release a joint press statement soon,” Libiran also said in a text message.

The “no vaccine, no ride” was implemented in Metro Manila since January 17, which received mixed response from the public.

The policy restricts unvaccinated commuters from using public transport, but exempting workers, travelers who have medical conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated. The unvaccinated individuals may use the public transport if they are out to buy essential goods and services.

The “No vaccine, no ride policy” in Metro Manila will remain in effect under alert level 3. Metro Manila is under alert level 3 until January 31.

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JPV