‘Gov't Policy On Transport Not Pro-Rich'

Malacañang defended yesterday its decision to prevent traditional jeepneys from plying the streets of Metro Manila despite the scarcity of public transportation.

- Christina Mendez

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said the government has been consistent in upholding public health, for which reason buses and other forms of public transport such as the Philippine National Railways and Light Railway Transit are deployed to ferry passengers.

He noted that these modes of transportation can accommodate more people without the need to sacrifice minimum health standards like social distancing and proper hygiene.

“The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) is still upholding public health, that is why as (far as) public transportation is concerned, it is not just cars that we have given priority, we have allowed the PNR, we have allowed MRT, we have allowed the buses, TVNS, Grab, taxis, etc.,” Roque said in a TV interview.