Presidential aspirant Senator Panfilo M .Lacson on Wednesday, Jan. 19 hit the national government for belatedly clarifying the ‘’no vax, no ride’’ policy of the Department of Transportation (DoTr).
‘’Why clarify only now? Why wait for hundreds of commuters to suffer first?’’ Lacson said after Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III stated that workers are exempted from the ‘’no vaccination, no ride’’ policy of DoTr that is enforced this week.
The barring of unvaccinated riders was flashed on TV, particularly at MRT terminals.
One woman cried because she was refused a ride. She only had one vaccination so far and that her jab will be next month.
Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III said that ‘’obviously, the idea did not go through contemplation.’’
‘’Swashbuckling at the very least!,’’ he added.
The DoTr policy only allows those fully vaccinated to ride public utility conveyances in an attempt to contain the spread of the COVID-19.
‘’Since the start of the pandemic in our country in early 2020, our government’s action has always been reactive and late,’’ Lacson said.
‘’Even the tapping of the business sector and the LGU’s (local government units) in the vaccination drive not only came late.Their voluntary participation, offering their own resources was even discouraged by government overregulation. Ano ba meron (what gives ?)’ he asked.
Lacson said those affected might avail of legal remedies like a class suit ‘’but that is, if they are prepared for a protracted legal battle’’