DOTr implements ‘no vaccination, no ride’ in public transport policy in NCR

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is implementing a “no vaccination, no ride/entry” in public transport policy in the National Capital Region (NCR) while the area is under Alert Level 3 or higher.

READ: Department of Transportation implements “No Vaccination, No Ride” policy in public transport in NCR. | via @Ted_Cordero pic.twitter.com/7O6Votcje4

— GMA News (@gmanews) January 12, 2022

On January 11, 2022, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade issued Department Order No. 2022-001, which allows public transportation access only to fully vaccinated individuals.

A full vaccination status can be proven by either physical or digital copies of local government unit-issued vaccine card, Department of Health-issued vaccine certification, or any Inter-Agency Task Force-prescribed document with valid government-issued ID with picture and address.

“In general, a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, such as Pfizer or Moderna vaccines; or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine,” the order read.

The order is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to restrict the movement of people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 in Metro Manila, which is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

In his Department Order, Tugade said the enforcement of the “no vaccination, no ride” policy will be in effect while Alert Level 3 or higher remains in effect in the NCR as to be determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF).

The order takes effect immediately after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, and the submission of a copy with the Office of the National Administrative Register, U.P. Law Center.

At a virtual press briefing, Transportation Undersecretary for Administrative Service Artemio Tuazon said that while the policy takes effect immediately, it will be fully enforced on Monday, January 17, to give time for the commuting public to adjust with the order.

“All concerned attached agencies and sectoral offices of DOTr are directed to ensure that operators of public transportation shall allow access or issue tickets only to ‘fully vaccinated persons’ as evidenced by a physical or digital copies of an LGU (local government unit)-issued vaccine card, or any IATF-prescribed document, with a valid government issued ID with picture and address,” the order read.

Exempted from the “no vaccination, no ride” policy are the following:

• Persons with medical conditions that prevent their full COVID-19 vaccination as shown by a duly-signed medical certificate with the name and contact details of their doctor.
• Persons who will buy essential goods and services, such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, and medical and dental necessities, as shown by a duly issued barangay health pass or other proof to justify travel.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran, in a Viber group message, said DOTr officials agreed that an antigen test result will not be required as the policy is “no vaccine, no ride,” and not “no vaccine/ no antigen, no ride.”

“Hence, for those passengers claiming to be covered under the Medical Reason exemption, transport authorities shall only look for their Medical Certificate,” she said.

Tuazon, likewise, said those going to vaccination centers are also exempted from the policy as their travel is considered as for medical purposes.

Under the Order, violations of the policy are considered violations of applicable general safety and health provisions under any concession or service agreements, authority or permits to operate of public transportation, and other similar instrument. 

Tuazon said the DOTr is cooperating with the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, and the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic to implement the directive.

He said checkpoints will be established to check if all those riding public transportation are fully vaccinated. — RSJ, GMA News