Philippines: ‘No vax no ride’ scheme banning unvaccinated from public transport sparks confusion
- Plan, launched on Monday in Manila area, accused of being ‘draconian’; government tries to clarify new rules while mentioning ‘reason to apologise’
- There is some vaccine hesitancy in nation but tens of millions of vaccine doses have still not been used because of logistical issues
Just two days after the Philippines claimed the successful launch of its “no vax no ride” plan in the capital, the “draconian and stupid” scheme has come under fire from critics and a cabinet member has begun talking about a public apology.
The scheme, which began on Monday, stops Metro Manila commuters who are not fully vaccinated from using public transport. They have to show proof of their shots before they can board trains, buses and jeeps.
The region has 12.8 million people and accounts for a third of the country’s economic output.
Even on its launch day the new plan was undermined when the country’s chief public lawyer Persida Acosta said she is unvaccinated and does not believe in vaccines, while others were distraught at what they perceived as unfairness.
A young woman interviewed by GMA News broke down in tears as she explained she needed to attend a medical examination that was a requirement for getting a job, but had only received one jab.
“It’s not my fault if my second dose is in February”