Metro Manila mayors have opposed the tightening of the 1-meter physical distance in public transportation.
According to Metro Manila Council Chairman Mayor Edwin Olivares, Metro Manila mayors have not been consulted before the policy’s implementation. This resulted to their confusion when the guidelines were laid out before them in a meeting with secretaries of various government agencies.
The MMC pointed out that it understands the need for reopening the country’s economy especially the sector of public transportation which is necessary for the working sector. However, it believes that the health of citizens must not be sacrificed and compromised since the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat is still present.
“Ang stand po ng MMC, we have to maintain the physical distancing, sa atin pong mga constituent, lalong-lalo na public utility vehicle na talaga pong very congested sa loob po noon. So regardless na may face mask, face shield, kailangang pag-aralang mabuti ng ating mga health expert kung yung .75 is enough. But definitely, yung .5 and .3 kaming 17 mayors, mag-o-object kami doon. (The stand of the MMC is we have to maintain the physical distancing for our constituents especially in public utility vehicles where it can get very congested. So regardless of wearing face masks, face shields, our health experts need to thoroughly study if the .75m is enough. But definitely we, the 17 mayors, will object with the .5 and .3 distance),” Olivares relayed.
Mayor Olivares sees additional routes for PUVs as the solution. When more routes are opened by the Land Transport Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), there is no need to reduce the 1-meter physical distancing.
Transport groups share the same view with the MMC. The opening of more routes will greatly help their sector because many drivers will get their livelihood back.
Meanwhile, several members of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) who allegedly approved the resolution clarified that they were not consulted regarding the matter.
According to Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año, the policy was presented to them just this Tuesday. The IATF reviewed the issued resolution and found that there is no statement allowing the closer distance in public transportation. The task force insisted that the distance must even be 2 meters just like the practice of other countries.
“The further you go, the more effective the risk reduction and the better ng protection rate.” Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III stated.
The IATF and the MMC had a meeting regarding the issue. The task force is expected to issue a new policy depending on the decision of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.
Report from Kenneth Paciente
