MANILA – An official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday said the local government units (LGUs) outside the National Capital Region (NCR) will decide on the implementation of the “no vaccine, no ride” policy.
In a Laging Handa briefing, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon Jr. stated that the vaccine policy in public transportation was based on the LGUs’ practice of their police power.
“Sila po ang nakaka-alam kung ano po ang kondisyon sa kanilang mga localities at sila po iyong may karapatang mag-exercise nitong police power under the local government code (They’re the ones who know the condition of their localities and they have the right to exercise police power under the local government code),” Tuazon said.
He noted that once LGUs release an ordinance or regulation enforcing a vaccine policy, the DOTr will assist its implementation.
While the policy is temporarily suspended in Metro Manila, he said the public is starting to see the significance of protection against severe Covid-19 infections or even death.
“Unti-unti na pong naiintindihan ng ating mga mamamayan at mananakay kung ano po ang importansiya nitong polisiya na ito, at naintindihan na rin po nila na para sa kapakanan po nila ito (The public and commuters are slowly realizing the importance of this policy, and they understand that this is for their own good),” Tuazon said.
The DOTr, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday decided to postpone the “no vaccine, no ride” policy in public transportation for 30 days to allow the unvaccinated essential workers and travelers to get their Covid-19 jabs.
Starting February 25, those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated will once again be prohibited from using public transit, with the exception of those with proof of medical exemption, essential worker status, or those permitted to buy essential products and services.
