PUVs exempted from daily curfew

MANILA: The IATF-EID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) has announced that it has lifted the curfew on all PUVs (public utility vehicles) starting Phase II of the public transport reopening.

Resolution No. 47 of the IATF-EID states that public transportation “shall not be restricted by such curfew ordinances” and that only non-workers in areas placed under quarantine are covered by the curfew.

Around 3,600 PUBs and 1,500 other transport vehicles, including the 308 modern PUJs, are operating in Metro Manila since yesterday.

Malacañang hopes that the second phase of transport resumption will make commuting easier for the public.

“Siguro matatapos na iyong hinagpis natin sa kakulangan ng public transportation beginning June 22 po (Perhaps the suffering of our citizens due to lack of public transportation will end starting June 22),” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

Meanwhile, a technical working group composed of representatives from the DOTr (Department of Transportation) and the LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board), are close to finishing the guidelines for the operation of UV Express in Metro Manila.

“We are exhausting all efforts to balance our mandate in transportation with our responsibility of helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. That is why we are observing a gradual and calculated approach for the resumption of public transportation particularly in areas under GCQ,” said LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III.

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Photo courtesy of the DOTr