Kiko Pangilinan: Why not assign separate PUVs for unvaxxed amid ‘no vax, no ride’ policy?

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Friday reiterated his appeal for a separate set of public utility vehicles (PUVs) for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals against COVID-19 amid the implementation of “no vaccination, no ride” policy.

Pangilinan, a vice presidential aspirant in May 2022 polls, made the call after several local government units (LGUs) opposed the “no vaccination, no ride” policy which created a burden to their weary constituents.

“Ang no vax, no ride ay dagdag na pahirap sa mahihirap. Lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya, ‘wag na nating gawing mas mabigat ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan,” Pangilinan said in a statement.

(The no vaccine, no ride is a burden to our vulnerable communities. Especially amid COVID-19 pandemic, let us not create another burden to our fellow countrymen.)

“Ang mga patakaran ay dapat praktikal at may malasakit sa tao,” he added.

(Policies that must be implemented should be practical and create benefits for the public.)

Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia and Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oca Moreno have reportedly rejected the public transport policy that allows public transportation access only to fully vaccinated individuals.

Pangilinan said the LGU officials must be given discretion in addressing the vaccination issue in their respective areas.

He urged that the government must ensure the availability of the vaccines and make it accessible to the general public.

“Pinipilahan ang mga bakuna centers sa probinsya, ibig sabihin, gusto ng mga tao na maproteksyunan ang sarili nila,” Pangilinan said.

(People trooped in vaccination centers in the province, meaning people want to protect themselves against the viral disease.)

“Pero gawin naman nating mas madali ang mga bagay para sa kanila – mas ilapit ang bakuna centers, padamihin ang lugar ng bakunahan, alalayan sila sa proseso,” he added.

(But let's make things easier for them by making vaccination centers accessible to them, increase the number of vaccination areas, and support them during the process.)

He also encouraged the government to give free rides including to those going to vaccination centers, in emergency situations, and those who need to get their essentials such as food and medicine.

The DOTr implemented on Monday 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, have clarified that the Department Order contains exemptions.

• 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
• Persons who will buy 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/RSJ, GMA News