DOLE Defends Workers’ Side on “No Vaccine, No Ride” Order
DOLE – The Department of Labor and Employment spoke on the workers’ exemption on the “No Vaccine, No Ride” policy.
The Philippines intensified its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic following another surge in the cases and amid the threat of the possible spread of the Omicron variant. The coronavirus cases in several cities rose following the holiday season.
Initially, the authorities placed Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 from January 3 to January 15. The mayors of the different cities in the capital region also came to a mutual decision of imposing temporary restrictions on the mobility of the unvaccinated individuals.
Amid the limitations, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is pushing for the vaccination card as a requirement in riding public transportation. The said policy gained different reactions from the people.
The “No Vaxx, No Ride” policy has started in NCR. Some LGUs outside Metro Manila are against it. Amid the criticisms towards the policy, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) spoke on the plight of the workers who are not yet fully vaccinated.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, DOLE reminded that workers are exempted from the “No Vaxx, No Ride” policy as they are needed in business operations and they can’t do anything if it is not yet their appointment for their 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In Cebu, Governor Gwen Garcia is against the implementation of the Department of Transportation’s policy that requires the vaccine card for a ride in public vehicles. The Governor stressed that it is “anti-poor” and the government must respect the choice of the citizens because they were given the option.
Garcia further stressed that individuals who chose not to be vaccinated must be respected and not discriminated. Instead of implementing the policy, she ordered for checkpoints to make sure the health protocols are followed inside the PUVs and she also made mention of requiring PUV drivers of air filters.
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