The city’s “Disiplina Muna” (Discipline First)” advocacy team said Tuesday it has partnered with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in Region 10 (LTFRB-10) for the enforcement of the minimum public health standards in public transportation.
Antonio Ramon Resma Jr., Disiplina Muna advocacy team vice-chairman, underscored the need to strictly implement social distancing, passenger capacity limit, and other health guidelines among public utility vehicles (PUVs) as part of the broader measures against the surge of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the city.
“We hope that they would also help by not overloading the capacity of their passengers. They should follow the maximum passengers required to their vehicles,” Resma said.
Aside from PUV drivers, Resma also sought the cooperation of the passengers.
“The problem sometimes, the passenger will be one to insist and just promised the drivers to strictly observe the health protocol against Covid-19,” he said.
Together with LTFRB-10 Director Aminoden Guro, the two groups said the intensified enforcement would be conducted during peak hours: 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Resma said the Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) has also coordinated with the transport sector to ensure the enforcement of existing health protocols.
Some activities banned
Meanwhile, the city government has temporarily banned certain activities inside beach resorts, public swimming pools in hotels, and other similar establishments.
In an executive order released Monday night, Mayor Oscar Moreno said the prohibited activities inside establishments include family reunions; birthday/group/organization parties; foam parties; other similar events or occasions.
Establishments found violating the prohibition may face the penalty of the cancellation of their respective business permits.
In a virtual press briefing Tuesday, Moreno said imposing penalties such as fines on the public may be difficult at a time of the pandemic.
“I hope they understand because it is very difficult for the government to impose a fine. I prefer to focus on avoidance,” he said.
City Health Office data showed that as of Sunday, the city registered 67 new cases, bringing the active cases to 1,040.
At least 281 residents have died from the virus since last year. (PNA)
