The Department of Transportation (DOTr) reiterated that its “No Vaccination, No Ride” policy being implemented in all public transportation in Metro Manila has exemptions, adding that the measure is only temporary while the region is under Alert Level 3.

The DOTr issued the clarification amid criticisms from various public and private groups, including lawmakers, which called the policy “anti-poor.”

Under “no vax, no ride” scheme, which took effect Monday, Jan. 17, commuters who are not fully vaccinated will not be allowed to ride all modes of public transportation to, from, and within the National Capital Region (NCR).

The restriction will last while the more stringent Alert Level 3 or higher remains hoisted in Metro Manila.

However, Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddes Libiran noted that the policy will not cover all unvaccinated individuals, especially if they have a medical condition that prohibits them to get their jab, or if their travel is essential.

“Kung ikaw ay may (If you have a) medical condition that prohibits you from being vaccinated, all you need to do is present a medical certificate,” Libiran said.

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated commuters who will avail “essential goods or services,” including workers, are also exempted under the DOTr order.

“An employee of an industry allowed to operate under Alert Level 3 can still board public transport, even if unvaccinated, provided that he/she can present proof that he/she is going to work, such as a company ID or a COE (Certificate of Employment),” Libiran told reporters.

Workers from the informal sector can also present a barangay health pass or certificate instead of company ID, Libiran added.

Also exempted from the policy are those who will have medical check-up, medical examination, passport or license application, as well as those going to vaccination sites, among others.

“You need to present proof that your travel is essential such as medical appointment, certificate or appointment from the company that you have an interview or exam, or health pass from the barangay that you will obtain essential goods,” she explained.

According to Libiran, all of these exceptions have already been cascaded to all transport enforcers who have been helping to implement the policy.

Meanwhile, the DOTr apologized for any inconvenience that the policy may bring, but reiterated that its objective is protect the commuters and uphold public safety.

“We genuinely see it as a way to provide the unvaccinated the necessary protection and safety, given that they are more vulnerable or susceptible to COVID, as medically asserted by the DOH (Department of Health) and the WHO (World Health Organization),” the DOTr said.

“We are not fighting the few. We are protecting the many. We have strongly pushed for this policy because of the continuing danger posed by COVID, especially with the rapid transmission of the Omicron variant, and its potential to spread easily in densely populated urbanized areas like Metro Manila, and more importantly in public transport,” it added.