More passengers accepting ‘vax, no ride’ policy — Carlos
A NUMBER of difficulties brought by the initial implementation of the ‘No Vaccine, No Ride’ policy in Metro Manila are finally subsiding with the number of passengers being accosted and reprimanded going down already, Philippine National Police chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos said yesterday.
He made the assessment following a report from the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic that fewer violators of the policy were reprimanded in recent days.
I-ACT data showed that from 160 violators last January 17, the number dipped to 102 the day after, then to 34 last Wednesday and Thursday, and further down trended to only eight last Friday.
“It’s a good sign that the public is slowly adjusting to the policy. We are observing increased cooperation from the unvaccinated individuals,” Gen. Carlos said in highlighting the improved situation to a widespread public awareness campaign about the policy.
The top cop also reminded deputized PNP personnel to exercise maximum tolerance when it comes to dealing with defiant individuals. Recently, a police officer’s patience was gauged when a female commuter yelled at him after being denied a ride for failing to present her vaccination card.
“We commend the impressive behavior displayed by our personnel. It was grace under pressure. May we also ask the public not to blame our personnel as they are only fulfilling their mandate,” Gen. Carlos said.
The PNP chief said they are also maximizing the Comelec-PNP-Armed Forces checkpoints to also inspect public utility vehicles and see if their allowed passenger capacity is being followed.
