DOTr orders maritime sector officials to aid stranded passengers in ports; Reiterates “Returning Home” is essential

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Allow the children to go home! Tugade orders maritime sector officials to aid stranded passengers in ports; Reiterates “Returning Home” is essential

Immediately after monitoring a news report aired yesterday in the evening, January 19, showing stranded passengers with children at the Manila North Harbor bound for Bacolod and Zamboanga, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade immediately called for a meeting at 8:30PM with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and other transport officials and agencies concerned, and ordered them to immediately allow stranded passengers with children returning home to their provinces to leave, as “returning home”, from the very beginning, is considered a form of essential travel.

According to the report, the reason why the children were not allowed to board was because their parents were not vaccinated and did not have the proper requirements and documentation.

“When I saw the news, I was mad and fuming,” Secretary Tugade said.

“My instruction from the very beginning is plain and simple— The No Vaxx, No Ride/Entry policy should be implementated as patient and tolerant as possible, but firm,” Sec. Tugade added.

“I immediately called a meeting at 8:30PM and ordered the PPA, through General Manager Jay Santiago, to immediately allow the stranded passengers with children to return home to their provinces, provide them with food, assist in the costs of their tickets, and give financial assistance. PPA assured me that these instructions will be executed not later than this morning. After all, returning home is essential travel!” Sec. Tugade added.

Secretary Tugade likewise reiterated his previous directive to all transport sectors to put vaccination stations in strategic places, similar to what the road sector has done and established at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange since July last year.

“Make sure to continue our vaccination efforts at the PITX. Put similar vaccination facilities in rail stations and in North Harbor,” Sec Tugade ordered.

“I have also ordered the Toll Regulatory Board to consider having vaccination stations at NLEX and other Toll Roads. This is now being discussed by the TRB with toll operators,” Sec Tugade said.

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