I-ACT checks health protocol compliance of PUVs in Bulacan

The Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) recently inspected public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Guiguinto and Malolos, Bulacan to check if passengers and operators complied with transportation health protocols.

The I-ACT said it cited a total of 114 violations, which included health protocol violations and other traffic violations committed by drivers.

The I-ACT checked if the passengers and operators of PUVs complied with the "seven commandments" of public transportation, or the health protocols needed to be followed when riding and operating such vehicles.

The "seven commandments" are:

1) Always wear a face mask and face shield.
2) No speaking or talking on the phone.
3) No eating.
4) Always ensure proper and sufficient ventilation.
5) Practice frequent disinfection.
6) Bar entry of symptomatic passengers.
7) Follow appropriate physical distancing (one-seat-apart rule).

PUVs were also checked if they followed the 50-percent maximum capacity restriction. PUVs drivers who violated the restriction were reprimanded, while the excess passengers were transferred to other PUVs where physical distancing can be done, the I-ACT said

The I-ACT verified if passengers were authorized persons outside of residence (APORs) through their identification cards or quarantine passes.

Aside from the health protocol violations, the 114 violations also included the violations committed by motorcycle riders and motorists.

These violations were: Failure to wear the standard protective helmet, failure to attach or improper attachment of motor vehicle plate, tampering with authorized motor vehicle plate, failure to carry an original receipt and certificate of registration (OR/CR), driving an unregistered motor vehicle, and driving without a valid driver’s license.

The operation in Bulacan followed the same inspections conducted in Quezon and Parañaque cities, and Antipolo, Rizal. Members of the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) also assisted in the inspection, the I-ACT added.

This initiative followed the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade of continuous enforcement operations that ensure the safety of motorists and commuters amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the I-ACT said.

Photos from Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT)

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