In line with the upcoming resumption in operations of public transportation, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified that it does not require the installation of plastic barriers inside jeepneys.
The DOTr emphasized that it is only requiring the placement of barriers to separate the driver from the passengers.
“So para lang ‘yan doon sa drivers. Iyong mga plastic barriers ay mga sariling initiative ng ating mga drivers to enforce the social distancing guidelines inside their PUJs, pero hindi naman natin iyon prine-prescribe (It’s only for the drives. The plastic barriers are part of our drivers’ initiative to enforce social distancing guidelines inside their PUJs, but we are not prescribing it),” DOTr ASec. Goddes Hope Libiran explained.
Libiran added that the transportation department and commuter group will communicate on the matter to determine whether it is needed or if it has to be removed in public transportation.
Meanwhile, the mandatory wearing of face shields in all means of public transportation will begin tomorrow, August 15. Airlines have already issued guidelines on the matter. The Philippine Airlines (PAL) exempts children up to two years-old and individuals with respiratory concerns who have difficulty breathing from the policy. – Report from Karen Villanda