Local government units (LGUs) outside the National Capital Region (NCR) are keen on enforcing the “no vaccine, no ride’’ policy in their respective areas in a bid to curb the transmission of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) president and Quirino Governor Dakila Cua confirmed Sunday, Jan 16.
“Maraming lokal na pamahalaan na sinisimulang mag-usap at magpanukala ng executive orders tungkol dito. 'Yung 'no vax, no ride policy (Many local governments are starting to discuss and propose executive orders on this, the no vax, no ride policy),’’ Cua said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
However, Cua noted that there will be modifications like when vaccinated parents need to bring their uninoculated children to the doctor, stressing the need for certain accommodations in these essential cases.
Despite some protests, Cua admitted favoring the restriction in the movement of the unvaccinated as a measure to ease the transmission of COVID-19.
“Nakakatulong po 'yung bagong polisiya natin. 'Yung kapag vaccinated ka mas maraming pribilehiyo. Puwede ka lumabas, puwede ka sumakay sa pampublikong transportasyon (This policy helps. When you are vaccinated, you have more privileges. You can go outdoors, you can ride public transportation),’’ he added.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said prohibiting the unvaccinated riders from using public transportation is lawful based on the Metro Manila Council (MMC) resolution.
Despite criticisms from drivers on the DOTr rule, Cua said the provinces will institute modifications in their version of the “no vaccine, no ride’’ policy.
In Metro Manila, many public transport drivers complained about the difficulty of implementing the “no vaccine, no ride’’ policy citing it to be an added burden to inspect the vaccination cards of the riders aside from facing further diminished income with fewer passengers who can be lawfully accomodated. (Chito A. Chavez)