Rama not keen on ‘no vax, no ride’ policy

CEBU, Philippines —  Individual responsibility should be prevailed and there will no longer be a need for a policy regarding whether vaccinated or not to be able to ride in passenger vehicles.

This is the answer of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama to the question of whether the city is ready to adopt the policy in Metro Manila where only vaccinated individuals can ride in passenger vehicles.

"Akong hangyo, puyo lang ta sa balay kun dili importante ang atong mga lakaw. Mao ra yud na ato," the mayor said.

Rama, however, pointed out that he could not formulate a decision arbitrarily as it was also in line with various consultations in neighboring areas of the city as a push for the One Cebu Island concept for formulating policies.

The mayor first pointed out that he had not changed his previous directive especially now that one of the other things the city is taking care of is its recovery after being swept away by Typhoon Odette.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered a “no vaccination, no ride” policy for all modes of public transportation in Metro Manila.

This is part of Department Order 2022-001, entitled “Limiting Public Transportation Access to Vaccinated Population in the National Capital Region Under Alert Level 3 or Higher.”

The implementation of the “no vaccine, no ride” policy was signed by DOTr Secretary Art Tugade.

He requested that operators of public utility vehicles (PUVs) would allow access and issue tickets only to fully vaccinated passengers.

On the other hand, the Cebu City Government will strengthen its operation against drivers of passenger vehicles loading passengers beyond its capacity.

Cebu City Emergency Operation Center head, Councilor Joel Garganera, said he is already in talks with the Cebu City Transportation Office for more force in the operation.

It is learned that the public feels that there are still public utility vehicles did not follow health protocols.

In fact, some passengers were already standing inside the vehicles.

It is said that the situation is not pleasant especially as the threat of COVID-19 continues and cases are on the rise in Cebu City.

Under the current rule, public transport only allows 70 percent of its capacity. — GMR (FREEMAN)