Back when the vaccination drive against Covid-19 started, authorities encouraged people to get vaccinated by offering them free rides on public transport.
But with the latest surge of Covid-19 cases regularly breaching past 30,000, authorities have gone a step farther, implementing a no vaccination, no ride on public transport policy in Metro Manila.
To be sure, this policy will only take effect while Metro Manila, or the National Capital Region, remains under Alert Level 3 or higher.
The order came from the top, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The president himself wants the policy implemented.
The Metro Manila Council soon followed with a resolution putting the policy into effect, with the mayors also urged to issue respective ordinances.
The DOTr defended the policy saying this is meant “to protect ALL protect ALL — whether vaccinated or unvaccinated individuals – to safeguard those that are most at risk, our healthcare system, and our exhausted medical workers amid the recent surge of COVID-19 cases recorded in the country.”
This is also intended to prevent another public transport shutdown and keep our public transport operations safe and running.
The Department of Industry (DTI) supports the policy saying this is needed as the surge in Covid cases could severely affect industries.
“If we do not act now, all industries and business sectors will be severely affected. Either the businesses will minimize workers, cut down on some parts of their business, retrench employees, or shut down to cut down on losses or pay off debts,” the DTI said.
Authorities anticipated the policy will spark objections and criticisms about it being draconian, anti-poor, or punitive.
In response, authorities said “it is more anti-poor and anti-life if we will not impose interventions that will prevent loss of life due to non-vaccinations.”
The DOTr wants to make clear that there is no restriction against traveling for the unvaccinated.
Unvaccinated individuals are allowed to travel by using other means aside from public transport, it said.
It also cited exemptions to the no ride, no vaccination policy. These include persons with medical conditions that prevent their full COVID-19 vaccination and those who will buy essential goods and services.
But these exempted persons need to provide proof, such as a duly-signed medical certificate with the name and contact details of their doctor, for medical exemptions, or duly issued barangay health pass or other proof to justify travel.
The DOTr warns public transport operators that violations of the policy are considered violations of applicable general safety and health provisions under any concession or service agreements, authority or permits to operate.
Despite the warning, some PUV drivers are saying they won’t strictly comply with the policy, saying they already aren’t earning enough even before the policy was thought of.
VW trucks, anyone?
It isn’t generally known locally that there are Volkswagen trucks and buses in the global market.
The public will soon see Volkswagen trucks and buses on local roads.
MAN Automotive Concessionaires Corp. (MACC) has just partnered with Volkswagen Truck and Bus to distribute VW commercial vehicles in the loal market.
According to MACC, VW Truck and Bus was established in Brazil back in 1981 to manufacture and distribute trucks and buses under the Volkswagen marque.
Aside from Brazil, VW Truck and Bus distributes commercial vehicles to more than 30 countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
MACC said VW Truck and Bus produces a complete line of vehicles, tailor-made to the needs of the customer from light to heavy trucks and buses, capable of meeting the most varied applications and requirements of various markets.
The VW lineup will include Categories 3, 4 and 5 trucks ranging from 9 tons to 31 tons, in 4×2, 4×4, 6×4, 8×2 and 8×4 executions, all powered by popular Cummins and MAN engines mated to either 6-speed, 9-speed or 16-speed transmissions.
RAV4 HEV coming
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is adding another hydrid model to its local lineup of electrified vehicles.
TMP announced that the new RAV4 HEV will be available at Toyota delerships in February.
This comes soon after the local launch of the Toyota Camry HEV in December.
Toyota nows offers five Hybrid models in the local market, comprising the Prius, Corolla Altis HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, Camry HEV, and the RAV4 HEV.
“The rapid succession of Toyota’s HEV model introductions in the country is an indicator that Hybrid cars are now mainstream,” said Sherwin Chualim, TMP First Vice President for Vehicle Sales Operations.
“Filipinos are ready for energy efficient mobility options with less emissions, and Hybrids offer choices that are practical and ready to use in our existing infrastructure and road conditions.”
Suggested Retail Price for the Toyota RAV4 HEV is expected to start at P2,157,000.
Toyota dealerships have started accepting reservations for the RAV4 HEV.
Happy Motoring!!!
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