DOTr orders implementation of ‘no vaccination, no ride/no entry’ policy in NCR starting Jan. 17

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered the enforcement of a “no vaccination, no ride/no entry” policy in the National Capital Region (NCR). The directive to implement the said initiative follows the presidential mandate to restrict the movement of people who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 in Metro Manila, which is now experiencing an uptick in cases.

DOTr Secretary Tugade said in his Department Order (DO) that the enforcement of the “no vaccination, no ride” policy will be in effect while a COVID-19 Alert Level 3 level or higher remains in effect in NCR as to be determined by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF).

In addition, Tugade said the DO takes effect as soon as it gets published in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation, and the submission of a copy with the Office of the National Administrative Register, UP Law Center.

“All concerned attached agencies and sectoral offices of DOTr are directed to ensure that operators of public transportation shall allow access or issue tickets only to ‘fully vaccinated persons’ as evidenced by physical or digital copies of an LGU (local government unit)-issued vaccine card, or any IATF-prescribed document, with a valid government-issued ID with picture and address,” the DOTr department order read.

The DO says that a person is considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 only after two weeks of receiving their second dose in a two-dose vaccination series, such as with the Pfizer or Moderna brand of vaccines, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine such as with Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

However, exemptions to the “no vaccination, no ride/no entry” policy have been made. These include 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 and 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 the travel.

Violations of the policy will be considered violations of applicable general safety and health provisions under any concession or service agreements, authority or permits to operate public transportation, and other similar instruments.

The said department order covers not only those who reside in but also outside of NCR, who come to work in the region.

The Metro Manila Council too — following the President’s order — passed a resolution urging the various local government units of Metro Manila to pass their respective ordinances on the enhanced restrictions on the movement of unvaccinated persons.

Full implementation of the “no vaccination, no ride/no entry” policy is said to start on Monday, January 17.

“To give the public time to prepare for this (“no vaccination, no ride/no entry” policy), the order of Sec. Tugade is to make this fully effective by Monday,” says DoTr Usec Artemio Tuazon Jr.

Photo from Department of Transportation's (DOTr) official Facebook page

Also read: 

DOTr calls for more thorough disinfection of public transport

DOTr: 70% PUV capacity in NCR stays, MM mayors to restrict movement of unvaccinated