‘No vax, no ride’ policy impossible in Pangasinan

By January 23, 2022Business

THE head of a transport group in Pangasinan says the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) “No vaccination, No ride” policy is difficult and practically impossible to implement  properly particularly by jeepney drivers in Pangasinan.

This was the sentiment of Bernard Tuliao, president of the Alliance of United Transport Organization Provincewide (AUTOPRO- Pangasinan), in a radio interview on the new policy “No vax, No ride”.

He clarified that while the policy has a noble objective, it would be difficult if not impossible for jeepney drivers to monitor and guard against unvaccinated passenger who board their units.

The policy can be implemented easily if jeepneys in the province operate with a terminal facility that will allow them to fully see and scrutinize the vaccination cards before they drive out, and to check the veracity of all cards.

A suggestion brought forward is for passengers to wear their respective vaccination forms was considered, but to do that would be a waste of time for both the driver and the passenger since driver would not be able to scrutinize its authenticity.

Tuliao added that situations along chokepoints in towns and cities will worsen since policemen will be checking each PUV and inspect per passenger’s vaccination card.

It is not known what penalties will be imposed if violations are noted.

Tuliao acknowledged receiving and advice from the DOTr, through the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) that if the policy was met with great success, then it may be adapted to areas in the country under Alert Level 3,.

“Nag-abiso na ang DOTr LTFRB na ipapatupad din sa mga Alert Level 3 na region”, said Tuliao in a text message.

While public vehicle drivers and operators see this is not a good idea, they are still ready to comply. (Ahikam Pasion)

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