CEBU CITY—The Land Transportation Office Central Visayas (LTO-7) has taken steps to ensure that the "No Face Shield, No Ride Policy" will be enforced starting August 15.
The LTO-7, in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7 (LTFRB-7),will be deploying personnel on the first day of the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Memorandum Circular 2020-014, requiring all public transport passengers to wear face shields aside from face masks.
LTO-7 Regional Director Victor Emmanuel Caindec met with his operations team Friday to discuss the strategic deployment of personnel in different areas in the region.
"We will deploy our personnel to check whether the drivers and conductors themselves are following our mandate. We expect that the drivers, conductors will not allow passengers to ride unless they have their face shields on," Caindec said in a statement.
The mandatory use of face shields is meant to provide an additional and essential layer of protection for the riding public and minimize the risk of contracting the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Caindec added that he will be meeting with Police Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, chief of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas, to seek assistance in the implementation of the order.
Caindec also clarified that as per DOTr OIC Undersecretary for Administrative Service Artemio Tuazon Jr., eye shields, visor, or goggles, and other protective eyewear do not qualify as face shields.
"Face shields should cover your eyes, nose, and your mouth. For drivers and conductors, individuals wearing only eye shields should not be allowed to ride any public transport," the director said.
Passengers caught violating the policy will be asked to disembark the public utility vehicle.
"Let us remember that no amount of protection is too much when it comes to health and safety, especially that we are battling an invisible enemy," said DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade.