Palace defends ban on public transport in areas under modified ECQ

Malacañang on Thursday defended the government’s decision to continue the imposition of the public transport ban in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the government only wanted to prevent a surge in new COVID-19 infections even as it eased restrictions to support the gradual reopening of the economy.

“It’s a policy decision po, we want to restart the economy but not at the expense of having a second wave,” he said in a televised briefing.

Public shuttles, personal vehicles, company shuttles, bicycle (one person only), motorcycle (one person only) and e-scooter (one person only) will be allowed to ply on roads under modified ECQ, which will be implemented in Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu City from May 16 to 31.

“Kung hindi naman po kaya talaga ng kumpanya na magbigay ng shuttle o kung walang sasakyan iyong kanilang mga empleyado, eh huwag na po munang magbukas dahil mas importante na ma-avoid po natin, maiwasan iyong second wave na tinatawag,” Roque said.

Roque also reiterated the travel guidelines during the community quarantine, especially for workers in permitted establishments.

“Iyong mga allowed pong magtrabaho sa iba’t ibang quarantine areas, they would be allowed provided of course, that they are working in an industry that is allowed to operate. Ang kailangan lang po nila is employment ID at saka iyong ID na nagpapatunay kung saan sila na katita,” he said.

Non-essential travel is still prohibited, Roque said.

“Para doon sa mga iba po na gusto pang umuwi, well, hindi pa po natin pinapayagan iyang mga non-essential travels at kinakailangan pa rin na kung gusto ninyong magbiyahe na interzonal na hindi naman work-related, kumuha pa rin po kayo ng LGU [local government unit] clearance,” he said. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News