A Department of Transportation (DOTr) official on Tuesday, Jan. 18, clarified that unvaccinated individuals may still be exempted from the 'no vax, no ride' policy in public transportation if they are medically incapable or if they are going out for essential purposes, including going to work.
During a House committee on health hearing, DOTr Usec. Ochie Tuazon said for those medically incapable, they only have to present their medical certificate stating they cannot be inoculated against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, unvaccinated individuals who are going outside for basic essentials, including those buying food and going to work, may also take public transportation.
Tuazon's clarification came after Committee on Health chair Quezon 4th District Rep. Helen Tan cited reports of commuters and drivers being barred from taking transportation or driving their vehicles, respectively, for their non- or partially-vaccination status.
"Yung mga lumalabas po for basic essential, yung food saka yung essential services natin. Yung pagpunta sa doctor, yung pagpunta sa trabaho po, considered as essential travel. Yung pagbili ng pagkain, ng tubig, yung mga ganon po (Those going outside for basic essentials are exempted. These include those going to the doctors, to their work, because these are considered essential travel. Also included are those buying food and water)," Tuazon said.
The transportation official said its department order to implement 'no vax, no ride' policy has legal basis, citing the Metro Manila Council's resolution that bars unvaccinated individuals outside.
The resolution was adopted through local ordinances of all Metro Manila cities and lone municipality, Tuazon added.
"Naglabas na po ang DOJ (Department of Justice) ng opinion nila na sinasabi (The DOJ has already come up with its opinion saying) that the said resolution by the MMC is actually a valid exercise of their police power as granted by the local government code," he furthered.
On Monday, Jan.17, the government started the implementation of the 'no vax, no ride' policy, with various law enforcers roaming around and checking public transportations if their passengers are fully vaccinated.
One female commuter could not help but cry in a television interview aired Monday night when she was refrained from taking a public transportation as she has yet to take her 2nd dose of the COVID-19 next month.