QC warns PUV owners: Health rules violation means permit revocation

Quezon City mayor Joy Belmonte on Sunday warned public transport owners their business permits will be revoked if they violate minimum health protocols in light of the threat of COVID-19.

In a statement, the QC government said Belmonte issued Executive Order No. 45 mandating the observance of minimum health protocols in buses, jeepneys, tricycle, taxi cabs, among others.

“It is necessary to reaffirm and reinforce compliance with these minimum health protocols on public transportation, considering the increasing volume of passengers as the economy reopens,” she said.

“In accordance with Section 14 of City Ordinance No. 2934, S-201, the business permit of the offending transportation company or operator may be revoked,” she added.

The QC government said charges may also be filed against violators under the Republic Act 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

Belmonte issued the EO after reports of that some public utility vehicles were not following health protocols, especially on physical distancing.

In the order, Belmonte reiterated the wearing of face masks and face shields, observance of physical distancing of at least one meter, and regular disinfection of  the vehicle.

Earlier, the national government allowed the resumption of operations of provincial buses in point-to-point routes.

Ten provincial point-to-point bus routes will begin operations on December 21, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

The Department of Transportation already said it would not tighten public transport operations restrictions this holiday season.

Meanwhile, the OCTA Research has been warning of a surge in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila during the holidays. —LBG, GMA News