DOTr sets up hotlines for COVID-19 transport issues

Updated Mar 24, 2020 | Same topic: COVID-19 Updates

These digits could spell the difference between life and death.

As Luzon island continues to endure the effects of an enhanced community quarantine, one of the hardest-hit areas is public transportation.

All forms of mass transport have been suspended, posing a huge challenge for medical and supply chain front-liners actively involved in efforts to stop COVID-19 from spreading. 

ONE NEWS NOW | MARCH 20, 2020 | 10AM

>>> Related: Public transport suspended as part of enhanced community quarantine

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to address this by launching its COVID-19 Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Hotline, in partnership with Globe Telecommunications.

Located at the Philippine Ports Authority in Manila, the EOC is headed by Transport Assistant Secretary Eymard Eje and staffed by a team of 25 personnel: 10 from the various attached DOTr agencies of concerned sectors, 10 support staff, and five agents manning the phone lines.

empty transport terminal philippines

Previously bustling transport terminals are now empty due to the enhanced community quarantine

>>> Related: Latest COVID-19 news and updates

Concerns coursed through calls to the EOC can be addressed daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., while text messages can be accommodated 24 hours a day. 

Land transport concerns in Metro Manila can be coursed through the following numbers:

  • Landline – (02) 7080-2387 / (02) 7980-2390
  • Mobile – (0917) 876-8535 / (0917) 876-8523

Road closures have compounded the loss of public transport

Nationwide aviation-related concerns can be relayed through:

  • Landline – (02) 7980-2391 / (02) 7980-2392
  • Mobile – (0917) 876-8573 / (0917) 802-2224

For calls regarding operations of port, ship and cargo facilities:

  • Landline – (02) 7980-2394
  • Mobile – (0917) 876-8594

According to the DOTr, all calls to the hotline whether made through landline or mobile are free of charge for all Globe and TM subscribers.

“The DOTr continues to reiterate its reminder for the public to stay at home and limit movements to prevent the spread of the COVID-19,” the agency added.

Be updated on the impact of COVID-19 on our transport industry with Philkotse.com

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Joseph Paolo Estabillo

Author

Joseph holds a degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines Diliman and has been writing professionally since 1999. He has written episodes for CNN Philippines' motoring show Drive, and has worked on corporate projects for MG Philippines and Pilipinas Shell. Aside from being Philkotse.com’s Content Lead, he also writes content for numerous car dealerships in the U.S., spanning multiple brands such as Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Maserati, among others.

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