DOTr reiterates exemptions on ‘no vax, no ride’ policy

MANILA: In a press statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified the exemptions in the “no vaccination, no ride/entry” policy for public transportation, which took effect last Monday, January 17.

The agency stated that prior to the full implementation of the policy, it has already stressed the exemptions in its Department Oder (DO) published in newspapers last January 12, as well as in press releases, media announcements, and press conferences.

It was stated in the DO that persons with medical conditions that prevent them from receiving full COVID-19 vaccination as evidenced by a duly signed medical certificate indicating their doctor’s name and contact information, as well as those who will buy essential goods and services as shown by a duly issued barangay health pass or other proof to justify travel, are exempted from the “no vaccination, no ride” policy. These exemptions are in accordance with the IATF guidelines for persons permitted to work in essential industries under Alert Level 3.

Even before the policy was fully implemented, the DOTr disseminated this information to the enforcers on the ground. It was also reiterated during the daily formation and deployment of concerned agencies such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and NCR Police Office (NCRPO).

The DOTr also expressed its apology for any trouble that the policy may have caused the riding public.

“This policy is not anti-poor. This was made to protect all — both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated — to safeguard the most vulnerable, unburden our healthcare system, and give our exhausted medical workers some space to breathe. Hence, we dispel various misinformation that has muddled up the message. It is important to note that medical experts have warned that severe COVID-19 infections caused by non-vaccination result in an overwhelming of cases of hospitalization. It creates more inconvenience, and it is even riskier if unvaccinated individuals will contract severe COVID-19 infections or even fatalities, particularly amid the Omicron variant now infecting Filipinos at an alarming rate,” the DOTr stated.

They also explained that the policy supports government's commitment to offer a safe public transport system for Filipinos. “We should consider that if there is a surge of virus transmission in public transportation, we will be forced to shut it down, and the most affected will be those in the lower-income bracket who compose most public transportation users,” the agency added.

The DOTr added that it will continue to come up with new approaches to persuade Filipinos to get vaccinated. It will be resuming the vaccination drive for transport workers called “TsuperHero: Kasangga ng Resbakuna” in the coming weeks. To recall, this program, which was launched on July 31, 2021 at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), targeted to vaccinate thousands of drivers, public utility vehicle (PUV) conductors, and other transport workers.

According to the DOTr, those who continue to question the legality of the “no vaccination, no ride” policy should be aware that the agency is only enforcing the ordinances issued by all Metro Manila local government units, all of which are in accordance with the Metro Manila Council (MMC) Resolution on unvaccinated individuals. The MMC Resolution, which is also in line with the IATF Resolution, prohibits unvaccinated people from using public transport. The IATF firmly supports the MMC Resolution, which was approved by all Metro Manila mayors and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The Department of Justice (DOJ) also stated that the Resolution by the MMDA and MMC, along with the associated LGU ordinances, is a valid exercise of police power under the Local Government Code. Given that the DOTr’s policy implements these ordinances, it is also legally valid.

Photos from Department of Transportation and Kap Maceda Aguila

Also read: DOTr: 'No vax, no ride' rule violators only given a slap on the wrist – for now