DILG: ‘No vaxx, no ride’ policy a ‘valid exercise of police power of State’

DILG Spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya. (Photo from his FB account)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) defended Wednesday the planned full implementation of the controversial “no vaccination, no ride” policy next month, saying it is a “valid exercise of the police power of the State.”

DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya made the remark after it was announced that only fully vaccinated workers will be allowed to ride public transport in Metro Manila starting February 26.

“Ang DILG stands by the policy na after this 30-day window, full implementation na tayo nitong ‘no vaxx, no ride’ policy because it is a valid exercise of the police power of the State as decided in Gerochi vs. Department of Energy,” Malaya said in a press briefing, citing a 2007 Supreme Court decision.

(The DILG stands by the policy that after this 30-day window, the “no vaxx, no ride” policy will be fully implemented because it is a valid exercise of the police power of the State as decided in Gerochi vs. Department of Energy.)

“Mayroong police power ang state (The State has police power) to promote public welfare by restraining and regulating the use of liberty and property. As mentioned by the Supreme Court, the welfare of the people is the supreme law,” he added.

Passengers with medical conditions that prevent them from getting immunized; those getting or delivering essential goods and services; and, those headed to inoculation sites to receive a vaccine will remain exempted from the rule.

However, partially vaccinated workers, or those who have only received one dose of a two-dose vaccine, will not be allowed to use public transportation if their vaccination remains incomplete within the said period by February 26.

JPV