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Vaccinate PUV drivers at 'full speed', Poe asks gov't

Philippines | National

Vaccinate PUV drivers at 'full speed', Poe asks gov't

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Senator Grace Poe on Tuesday, June 1, urged the government to fast track the vaccination of public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers so they could return to roads and help augment public transportation amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Senator Grace Poe (Senate of the Philippines/MANILA BULLETIN File photo)

"Efforts must be at full speed to give fully-vaccinated PUV drivers and transport workers the opportunity to return to work or ply their routes to help alleviate the hardships of people dependent on public transportation," Poe, chairperson of the Senate public services committee, said in a statement.

"As more vaccines arrive, we hope that drivers will have faster and wider access in getting the doses as their shield against the worst impact of COVID-19 when they go out," she added.

The senator has been pushing for the inoculation of PUV drivers and operators against the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). They are included in the A4 priority group of the government, which aims to start the vaccine rollout for the sector within June.

Poe said allowing more PUVs on the road will ease the burden of Filipinos in commuting amid the pandemic.

"Few transportation options force our people to pay more for their ride or walk longer to get to work or their destinations and back home. Our people who continue to brave the everyday threats of the virus deserve a safe and comfortable commute," she pointed out.

"Public transport will remain the backbone of sustainable mobility and essential to our economic bounceback," Poe maintained.

Related Tags

covid-19 vaccine rollout pandemic response Grace Poe PUVS covid-19 vaccine

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