The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) issued a memorandum requiring drivers and passengers to use face shields while onboard public utility vehicles.
In a phone interview on Tuesday, Armand Dioso, LTFRB XI chairman, said he issued a memorandum which he claimed was a “preparatory statement” under General Community Quarantine but not necessarily a GCQ ang application.
“It was just a general statement but the gist is that it is applicable across the Philippines regardless of the quarantine status, ” Dioso told TIMES.
“They are bound to comply, including the shuttle service that has been given a special permit (to operate by the LTFRB). Passengers are required to wear face shields if they board the vehicles,” he said.
All PUVs are required to do so except tricycles not under the jurisdiction of the agency..
Passengers not wearing face shields will not be allowed to board PUVs, Drivers however will be penalized if they do not comply with the directive. The sanction are as follows: P5,000 for the first offense; P10,000 for the second offense, and; P15,000 for the third offense plus suspension or revocation of franchise and impoundment of the PUV units.
Dioso said they are now embarking on an information campaign so commuters will be aware of the order to wear face shields.
“We are coordinating with the LGUs for assistance in information dissemination as well as monitoring in enforcement and implementation of the requirements,” he added.
The Memorandum Circular No. 2020-031 or “Requirements for Drivers, Conductors and Passengers inside PUVs” has the following guidelines:
1) Observe social distancing in public terminals and designated PUV stops.
2) Strictly comply with the standard health procedures laid down in the previous issuances of the Board in line with public health protocols as required by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).
3) Strict require all drivers, conductors and passengers of PUVs to wear face masks and Face shield / Eye protector inside PUVs.
4) Failure to wear face mask and face shield/eye protector shall be reasonable ground to refuse/deny boarding in any PUV.
5) Refrain from unnecessary talking or making/taking calls while inside PUVs.
The Department of Transportation has also issued a mandatory wearing of face shield for all passengers using public transportation, effective August 15.
This includes airports and ports which will take effect on August 7, 2020.
