No Vax, No Ride: Everything You Need To Know

When the government announced the No Vax, No Ride Policy, it was met with some questions and some resistance. That said, the first day of its implementation went smoothly, according to the government. However, there are also some questions the public would like answered, and the Department of Transport (DOTr) has come it to set the record straight.

One of the questions asked was why this needed to be done. Per the DOTr, its goal is to protect those who do not have the vaccine as they are more vulnerable to the virus. According to their studies, 90% of COVID-19 deaths are from unvaccinated individuals. The government also aims to shield the vaccinated public from unvaccinated carriers, and to control the spread of the disease. The DOTr adds that the new ruling does not violate and existing laws and acts.

There are those who say that the new policy is discriminatory. However, the DOTr is quick to rule that out and say that it does not go against Republic Act 11525. While it is stated that a vaccine card is not required in select establishments, public transport is not one of them. That means having that card is a must for those who need to take the bus, train, or hire transport.

This policy is only applied for Metro Manila while the region is placed under Alert Level 3, 4, or 5. Essential workers are exempted for as long as they can show a company ID, certificate of employment, or in some cases, medical appointment. Those trying to reach access to essential goods or services are also exempt from the No Vax, No Ride rule.

For those who are still unvaccinated, the government is now holding on-site vaccination areas. Dubbed the “We Vax as One: Mobile Vaccination Drive,” it will be held at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) from January 24, 2022 until January 28, 2022. The vaccine that will be used there will be AstraZenica and those who are there can get their first, second, or booster shot.

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