Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade reiterated that passengers going home to their provinces are not covered by the "No Vaccination, No Ride" policy as "returning home" is considered essential travel.
This, after Tugade received reports that passengers with children bound for Bacolod and Zamboanga were stranded at the Manila North Harbor due to being unvaccinated and lack of proper documentation to prove their exemption.
The DOTr earlier said that children accompanied by their parents or guardians and are headed to their home province, not for "vacation" or "luxury" travel, are exempted from the policy which took effect last Jan. 17.
"When I saw the news, I was mad and fuming. My instruction from the very beginning is plain and simple — the 'No Vax, No Ride/Entry' policy should be implemented as patient and tolerant as possible, but firm," Tugade said on Thursday, Jan. 20.
Tugade said he immediately called for a meeting with maritime sector officials and ordered them to allow the stranded passengers with children to board ferries and return home to their provinces.
Aside from this, the DOTr chief also directed the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to provide the passengers with food packs, assist in the costs of the tickets, and give financial assistance.
" PPA assured me that these instructions will be executed not later than this morning. After all, returning home is essential travel," he added.
Vax sites eyed at transport hubs
Meanwhile, Tugade reiterated his directive to all transport sectors to put vaccination stations in strategic places, similar to what the road sector has launched at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange since July last year.
Tugade ordered the Department's attached agencies to also establish similar vaccination facilities in rail stations for the railway sector, and in seaports for the maritime sector.
"I have also ordered the Toll Regulatory Board to consider having vaccination stations at NLEX and other Toll Roads. This is now being discussed by the TRB with toll operators," he added.