Isko Moreno allows tricycles, pedicabs in Manila despite MECQ

Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso on Tuesday allowed tricycles - both traditional and electric ones - and pedicabs to operate in the city under the two-week modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

"Aking pinapayagan ang lahat ng pedicab, e-trike, tricycle na maghanap-buhay sa panahon ng MECQ," Moreno announced at a press briefing.

"Let me be clear about this. Para matulungan sa loob ng Maynila ang mga emplyado, lalo na sa frontline, ang mga medical health workers natin na magkaroon ng access sa sasakyan at matulungan natin ang ekonomiya at maproteksyunan ang kabuhayan ng mahihirap nating kababayan tulad ko rin na dating side car boy, nang sila'y mapaghari naman, mabawasan ang suliranin ng pamahalaan na tugunan nang tugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan,"  Moreno said.

The Department of Transportation said the only public transportation allowed will be public shuttles for front liners and workers in industries allowed to work under MECQ.

President Rodrigo Duterte has placed Metro Manila and other high-risk areas back under a modified enhanced community quarantine for 15 days effective this August 4, 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

At a briefing last weekend, Duterte said that the National Capital Region and the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite, and Rizal will be under MECQ until August 18. -MDM, GMA News