Unvaccinated woman throws a fit after being denied a ride in Taguig

An unvaccinated woman got mad and threw a fit with police after being prevented from taking public transportation amid the implementation of the “no vaccination, no ride” COVID-19 policy.

According to Ivan Mayrina’s “24 Oras” report on Friday, the woman was disappointed and even threw a microphone at a reporter at the “no vaccine, no ride” checkpoint in Taguig City.

“Bakit, it is my right not to have the vaccine. Bakit niyo ako hinahanapan ng vaccine [card]? Ayaw ko it is my own will. Wala nga ako, bumili ako ng pagkain, hindi pwede?” the unvaccinated woman argued.

(Why? It is my right not to have the vaccine. Why are you asking me for a vaccine card? I don’t want to get vaccinated. It is my own will. I don't have a vaccine card, I just bought food, why can’t I get a ride?)

Apart from her, two other men were also prevented from taking public transport at the checkpoint.

However, they were provided with a shuttle that would transport them to their respective homes in accordance with the “no vaccine, no ride policy” implemented since Monday, January 17.

Meanwhile, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles clarified that there are no issued vaccination exemption cards.

On Monday, the DOTr implemented its policy to ban the unvaccinated from using public transport in Metro Manila while the region is under Alert Level 3 or higher.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade issued Department Order No. 2022-001, which allows public transportation access only to fully vaccinated individuals.

A full vaccination status can be proven by either physical or digital copies of local government unit-issued vaccine card, Department of Health-issued vaccine certification, or any Inter-Agency Task Force-prescribed document with valid government-issued ID with picture and address.

The order is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to restrict the movement of people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 in Metro Manila, which is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Government officials, however, clarified that the Department Order contains exemptions including persons with medical conditions that prevent their full COVID-19 vaccination as shown by a duly-signed medical certificate with the name and contact details of their doctor

Authorities also allowed persons who were buying essential goods and services, such as but not limited to food, water, medicine, medical devices, public utilities, energy, work, and medical and dental necessities, as shown by a duly issued barangay health pass or other proof to justify travel. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA News