Workers Exempted from 'No Vaccine, No Ride' Policy, Says DOLE

Workers are exempted from the "No Vaccine, No Ride" policy implemented in public transport, the Department of Labor and Employment said Tuesday.

They are excluded from the policy because they provide essential services according to Labor Sec. Silvestre Bello III.

"Exempted po ang workers natin because they are rendering essential services. Pag hininto mo ang mga 'yan paano gagalaw ang ating mga negosyo?" Bello told reporters.

Transport authorities on Monday started requiring commuters to present their COVID-19 vaccine card and a valid ID whenever they ride public transport--whether land, sea, or air travel.

There are however exemptions to the "no vaccine, no ride" rule. 

Aside from workers, here are the exemptions to the "No Vaccine, No Ride" policy of the DOTr:

1. Passengers who cannot get a COVID-19 vaccine due to an existing medical condition.

2. Passengers who are getting or bringing essential goods such as food, water, and medicines.

3. Passengers who are scheduled to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

Commuters who fall under any of the mentioned exemptions need to present proof to security officers of public transport vehicles, the DOTr said.

It's important to note that while COVID-19 vaccination is encouraged in the Philippines to help end the pandemic, getting jabbed is not mandatory. 

ALSO READ:

Is 'No Vaccine, No Ride' in Public Transport Anti-Poor?