THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) ordered on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, the strict enforcement of “no vaccination, no ride/entry” policy in all public transportation units in the National Capital Region (NCR).

In his order, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said the policy will be in effect while the NCR is under Alert Level 3 or higher.

This is the agency’s response to the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to restrict the movement of unvaccinated individuals amid the increase of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the country.

“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 DOTr department order read.

It added that a person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving his/her second dose or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

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

* 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. (SunStar Philippines)