NextGen Day

The government’s “no vaccine, no ride policy” in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic is a lawful exercise of the state’s police power, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The Supreme Court (SC) upheld this power in the case of “Gerochi vs. Department of Energy” promulgated in 2007, saying the state has the police power to promote public welfare by restraining and regulating the use of liberty and property, according to DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya in a virtual briefing.

“As the Supreme Court has stated, the people’s welfare is the supreme law,” Malaya continued.

Malaya’s comments come after unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Metro Manila workers were allowed a 30-day window to use public transportation beginning Wednesday.

However, effective February 26, only fully vaccinated individuals will be permitted to use public transportation in the region.

People with medical issues that prevent them from being immunized, those receiving or delivering critical products and services, and those going to inoculation locations to receive the vaccine are excused from the restriction, according to Malaya.

He also urged unvaccinated people to take advantage of the 30-day grace period to receive the vaccine because the government’s goal has always been to safeguard them.

According to Malaya, the Department of Justice has provided a legal opinion stating that the program does not contradict Republic Act 11525 or the Covid-19 Vaccination Act of 2021.

“Because public transportation is not listed among the forbidden acts, RA 11525 is not broken. According to the vaccination statute, requiring a vaccination card as a document to access education, work, and other government operations is illegal “Added he.

Malaya further stated that the policy is in line with local government legislation banning the travel of unvaccinated people, as mandated by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“In terms of legality, the DILG joins the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) and the DOTr (Department of Transportation) in claiming that there is no discrimination because there is a significant difference,” he said.

He went on to say that the policy aims to protect unvaccinated people because they are more likely to contract severe infections that can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Malaya also stated that the strategy aims to keep the healthcare system from becoming overburdened as a result of an increase in coronavirus cases.

The greatest option is to be vaccinated.

In a separate virtual briefing, DOLE Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez stated that, aside from rigorously adhering to the minimal health protocols, vaccination remains the best option for workers.

“It is preferable for workers to be vaccinated in addition to meeting minimal health standards,” he said. “The vaccination will give additional and effective protection against the threat of Covid 19.”

Benavidez warned the workers to stay away from the three Cs: confined, crowded, and close contact, all of which are high-risk environments for Covid-19 risks.

“If you’re in the 3 Cs area, you’re in serious danger.” Almost every day on their way to work, and almost every day at work because most firms have tight spaces. Our workers are more exposed to Covid 19, therefore I believe they should get vaccinated, and we’ve been urging them to do so,” he said.

He claims that statistics will show that immunizations protect workers not only from exposure but also from more significant complications if they become infected with the virus.

Save/Share this story with QR CODE

---

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute endorsement of any specific technologies or methodologies and financial advice or endorsement of any specific products or services.

Need to get in touch?

Feel free to Contact NextGenDay.com for comments, suggestions, reviews, or anything else.

---

We appreciate your reading. Simple Ways To Say Thanks & Support Us:
1.) GIVE A TIP. Send a small donation thru Paypal
Your DONATION will be used to fund and maintain NEXTGENDAY.com
Subscribers in the Philippines can make donations to mobile number 0917 906 3081, thru GCash.
3.) BUY or SIGN UP to our AFFILIATE PARTNERS.
4.) Give this news article a THUMBS UP, and Leave a Comment (at Least Five Words).

---

AFFILIATE PARTNERS

World Class Nutritional Supplements - Buy Highest Quality Products, Purest Most Healthy Ingredients, Direct to your Door! Up to 90% OFF.
Join LiveGood Today - A company created to satisfy the world's most demanding leaders and entrepreneurs, with the best compensation plan today.

---