Do you agree with DOTr’s No Vaxx, No Ride policy? [Poll of the Week]

Editor’s Note (01/27/2022): The DOTr, DOLE, and DILG released a joint statement on January 26, 2022 regarding unvaccinated and partially vaccinated workers using public transport. We updated this article with the latest information from that release.

The ‘No Vaxx, No Ride’ policy of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has brought confusion to the riding public especially to those unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals. 

Always wear a face mask when out in public

In early January, the DOTr showed its support to the resolution released by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) in prohibiting unvaccinated individuals from taking public transport. MMDA Resolution No. 22-01 urged local government units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to enact their respective ordinances in regards to limiting, and regulating the movement of unvaccinated individuals.   

The DOTr previously said in a statement that it agrees with the MMC’s decision to “temporarily prohibit unvaccinated individuals from traveling domestically via land, sea, and air public transport.” The idea behind the said policy is to limit the movement of unvaccinated (unvaxxed) individuals amid the rising number of new COVID-19 cases.

Sample COVID-19 vaccination card 

With that, the ‘No Vaxx, No Ride’ policy was put into effect, which prohibits unvaxxed individuals from taking public transport. The said policy resulted in confusion as partially vaccinated individuals suddenly can’t take public transport to get to and from their respective workplaces. 

A viral video featuring Gemma Parina has circulated online. Parina, who is said to be a vendor, expressed her sentiments about the ‘No Vaxx, No Ride’ policy. She said that the policy is a burden to unvaxxed individuals like her. 

Enraged vendor slams the 'no vaccine, no ride' policy of the government [Video: Inquirer.net]

To address the confusion, the DOTr clarified that partially vaccinated workers are still allowed to take public transportation when commuting to their respective workplaces or going on essential errands. DOTr Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon said that going to work is considered essential travel.

As a review, essential travel is listed as an exemption for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals for taking public transport.  

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has also aired his side about the ‘No Vaxx, No Ride’ policy. He has apologized to the public in regards to the confusion brought about by the said policy. In an interview with CNN Philippines' The Source, Bello said that there were lapses in the information dissemination that led to uneventful confusion.    

Partially vaccinated workers exempted from No Vaxx, No Ride policy

The DOTr reiterates that those who are allowed to board public transportation despite not being completely vaccinated are: 

• Workers
• Individuals going for a medical checkup
• Individuals purchasing essential goods
• Individuals applying for a license or passport
• Individuals going to vaccination sites 

One of the following requirements should be presented before boarding: 

• Certificate of employment
• Company/Employee ID
• Medical appointment
• Barangay health pass to buy essential goods   
• Vaccination schedule

Now, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the DOTr released a joint statement pertaining to the No Vaxx, No Ride policy. 

The three agencies agreed that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated workers in industries and establishments allowed to operate in NCR under Alert Level 3 will only be given 30 days from January 26, 2022 to continue riding public transportation.

The said decision was approved after an interagency meeting that includes DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año, and DOTr Secretary Art Tugade.     

DOTr Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon Jr. clarified that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated workers will not be allowed to ride public transportation come February 26, 2022. Tuazon said that only workers in NCR who are fully vaccinated are allowed to use public transportation.

Unvaxxed and partially vaxxed workers will not be allowed to ride public transportation come February 26

The three agencies decided to implement the said policy to support the national government’s vaccination drive. Tuazon added that the data shows that unvaxxed individuals are more vulnerable to severe and critical infections brought upon by the COVID-19 virus.  

“Data show that workers who remain unvaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19 are more vulnerable to severe and critical infections. This joint decision is also meant to support the vaccination drive of the entire government,” Tuazon said. 

“We want our workers to get fully vaccinated especially now that there is no longer a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines, and there is a threat of highly transmissible variants of the virus. We are giving our workers the time to get themselves vaccinated,” Tuazon added.

With that in mind, do you agree with the DOTr’s ‘No Vaxx, No Ride’ policy? Cast your vote now in Philkotse’s Poll of the Week.