THE Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO) will wait for the final directive for the implementation of mandatory wearing of face shields for passengers using public transportation.
This was stressed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Luisito Acebuche, head of BTAO, Wednesday, August 5, 2020, after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that it will impose the mandatory wearing of face shields for passengers using public transportation effective August 15.
“For now, we don’t have a copy of the directive and as soon as we have it, we will strictly enforce it in Bacolod,” Acebuche said.
DOTr Undersecretary for Administration Service lawyer Artemio Tuazon Jr. signed Memorandum Circular No. 2020-014 dated August 3, directing all officials/heads of various transportation sectors to enjoin within their respective jurisdiction the mandatory wearing of face shields, aside from face masks, for all passengers in areas where public transportation is allowed.
Meanwhile, a total of 20 motorcycle riders were arrested by BTAO in Bacolod City Wednesday for failure to install barriers as part of the measures to protect riders against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Acebuche said the violators were arrested in various areas of Bacolod and were fined amounting to P500 and above.
The violators were given citation tickets for violation of Executive Order (EO) No. 35, or those not observing social distancing and violation of City Ordinance No. 926, the mandatory wearing of face mask and observance of social distancing.
Only the motorcycle drivers were given citation tickets. They have to pay at the City Treasurer’s Office at the Bacolod Government Center or at BTAO.
Acebuche said not all motorcycle drivers are required to set up a barrier.
If they are traveling alone, he said that there's no need to set up a barrier. Same as tricycle drivers, who are required to follow the 50-percent passenger capacity and the putting up of plastic barrier.