Gov't considering total ban on public transport in Metro Manila

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is now considering a total ban on public transportation while a community quarantine is placed over the National Capital Region (NCR).

In a message to reporters, Transportation Spokesperson Goddes Libiran said the DOTr, along with other members of the inter-agency task force (IATF), will discuss the possibility of a total ban on public transportation this afternoon.

"Isa 'yan sa mga pinag-aaralan ngayon in coordination with concerned agencies. Napakaraming kasing pasaway, matigas ang ulo, pilosopo, at makasarili," she said.

"Sabi nga ni Secretary Tugade, DOTr, at this time, is not in this to arrange or assure mobility. We are here to encourage people to stay at home. This is temporary and they should understand this. Buhay ang nakatayo dito!" she elaborated.

Libiran clarified, however, that the measure will still be subject to the approval of the IATF on Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) headed by the Department of Health (DOH).

Metro Manila has been placed on a community quarantine, restricting the entry and exit of non-essential travel to and from the National Capital Region from March 15 to April 14, in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19.

On the first Monday of the community quarantine, many commuters found themselves stranded due to a lack of public transportation options, forcing them to ride vehicles with no regard for social distancing guidelines laid out by the government. --JST, GMA News