Employees who need to ride provincial buses for work can do so without securing travel authority, the country's COVID task force chief said on Wednesday, two days after provincial buses were permitted to resume limited operations.
The head of Joint Task Force COVID Shield, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar told Dobol B sa News TV that workers and persons authorized to move outside their homes, or APORs, don't need to secure a travel authority to take provincial bus trips.
What do you need to bring?
"Kung kayo po ay workers na permitted in the street hindi niyo kailangan ng travel authority (If you are workers permitted in the street, you don't need travel authority)," Eleazar said. All workers need to present are a company ID and a certificate of employment as proof that they're travelling for work.
However, as Metro Manila is still under general community quarantine, those not authorized to leave their homes must still secure a travel pass from authorities if they're planning to move between the capital region and other provinces, Eleazar said.
LGU discretion
Though workers and authorized persons are allowed to ride buses with passes, Eleazar said LGUs have the final say if they will require travel authority for their area of jurisdiction.
Provincial buses are back on the road
Last week, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board opened 12 modified provincial bus routes to and from Metro Manila, with limited operations resuming on Monday.
ALSO READ: Provincial Bus Operations Resume Sept. 30 at Limited Capacity
In a memorandum circular, the LTFRB said passengers must pre-book rides and test negative for COVID-19 at least 48 hours before their scheduled trip. Those looking to ride a provincial bus also have to secure a travel pass or authority from their respective local government units. Passengers with incomplete requirements could be denied boarding.