Jeeps, trikes can't be used as service for workers in MECQ areas -Eleazar

Tricycles and jeepneys cannot be hired by companies to serve as service vehicles of their workers once quarantine measures are eased amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, head of the Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield.

Eleazar made the statement Friday, a day before Metro Manila, Laguna and Cebu city transition from enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to modified ECQ, allowing several industries to resume operations but only with 50% of their workforce physically present.

SincemMass transport is still prohibited under the modified ECQ, the government is encouraging employers to provide service vehicles to their workers.

“Kapag ginamit po iyan (jeepneys and tricycles) at naningil po, eh colorum na po iyan. Kaya bawal pa rin po. Nakatutok po tayo riyan,” Eleazar said.

“If we allow it po, it will open the gates for abuse. Mahihirapan po tayo sa enforcement, and it will defeat the purpose of us being under MECQ. High risk nga po tayo, mag-antay antay po muna tayo,” he added.

Meanwhile, Eleazar said workers in allowed industries in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) can cross to MECQ areas but must show proof of employment.

“Generally, you are allowed to cross the border. You just have to bring your work ID, and an ID na nakalagay kung saan ka nakatira,” Eleazar said.

Eleazar, however, warned that those in GCQ or MECQ areas who are not going to work but are just out to buy essentials will still be not allowed to cross borders.

“If you are just availing goods and services, you have to avail it within your locality. Hindi ka puwede mag-cross ng border,” he said. --KBK, GMA News