Workers exempted from ‘no vaccination, no ride’ policy

Workers, either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, are exempted from the “no vaccination, no ride” policy, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III clarified on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

“Our workers are rendering essential services. When you stop them, how will our businesses move? When there is no business there is no economy. Luckily, our workers are exempted,” Bello said in a press briefing.

“Hirap na hirap na nga sila magtrabaho, papahirapan mo pa sila pumasok sa trabaho,” he added.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), workers should present their identification cards (IDs) or other documents to prove that they are going to work.

Those accessing essential goods and services are required to secure a barangay health pass “or other appropriate proof to support and justify such travel.”

Also exempted from the policy are individuals accessing essential goods and services; applying for licenses, passports, etc.; getting vaccinated; and attending medical check-ups and examinations.

“You need to present proof, like an ID showing you work in that company, a medical appointment, certification from your company that you have an interview or exam, or health pass from the barangay showing you will obtain essential goods, among others,” the DOTr said in a statement.

Those who cannot get a vaccine due to medical reasons should present their medical certificates to be allowed to ride.

Bello told the DOTr and other agencies enforcing the policy to conduct a massive information drive to avoid confusion among the public.

“We just need more massive information drive to inform especially not only the public, but especially the enforcing enforcement agency, the police, DOTr people, they know that workers should be exempted from the no ‘vax, no ride’ policy,” he said.

 “More information drive to inform the implementing agencies about this exemption to the general rule of ‘no vax, no ride’ policy. Especially with our workers who are already having a hard time working, you will make it even harder for them to get to work,” Bello added.IMT