Sen. Tolentino: DOTr's 'no vax, no ride' policy legal

MANILA: In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that Senator Francis Tolentino supports DOTr's “no vaccination, no ride” Department Order (DO). 

The policy bars individuals unvaccinated against COVID-19 from boarding public utility vehicles (PUVs) going out, inside, and within Metro Manila.

Tolentino reasoned that the DOTr's directive is legal and is rooted in the Philippine Constitution, which said that the state has the right to protect public health.

DOTr's DO is also in line with Proclamation 922, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte and placed the entire Philippines under a state of public health emergency due to COVID-19. 

The DO was issued in response to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in the metro. The DO has become fully effective in Metro Manila starting today (January 17).

Meanwhile, Tolentino clarified that the “no vaccination, no ride” policy does not discriminate against the unvaccinated, as they are still allowed travel in private vehicles, for medical reasons, or for buying essential goods.  

To recall, Tolentino introduced the anti-discriminatory amendment, which safeguards students, regular employees, overseas Filipino workers, and others from discrimination resulting from their non-vaccination against COVID-19.

The senator added that PUV operators must help enforce the “no vaccination, no ride” policy, as laws supporting it were already passed by a majority of local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila where operators have routes.

The DOTr's DO was also implement following the resolutions of the Metro Manila Council and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and ordinances issued by LGUs.

Tolentino formerly served as chairman of the MMDA. 

Photos from the Department of Transportation, Senator Francis Tolentino website

Also read: DOTr: 'No vax, no ride’ policy made to protect all