The transport sector has appealed to the government to make it a priority to vaccinate drivers, especially since they seem to be “excluded” from government services, such as aid.
Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Altodap) president Melencio Vargas said they are upset because no one wants to help them, even the government.
They appeal to the government and help drivers get vaccinated as most of them cannot register online.
He also said that they are asking for help because, until now, many drivers are still begging on the streets.
“Kaya ‘yun po sana ang hinihiling ko kasi wala po akong nakikita na gustong tumulong sa transport sector, ‘yun po ang masama sa loob ko. Kasi dati po ang LTFRB (Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board) pinapatawag kami kung may mga problema, sana makonsulta naman kami para makapag-suggest kami,” said Vargas.
“Dapat bigyan natin ng programa naman ang transport,” he added.
Transport sector laments not being prioritized in cash aid, vaccination
Cabinet Secretary and IATF co-chair Karlo Nograles assured that the priority list includes vaccinating those in the transport sector and that each local government has dedicated assistance to PUV drivers.
“Ang panawagan po natin sa LGUs ay maging proactive din sa pagbabakuna ng mga nasa transportation sector… Kabahagi at kabilang na po sa A4 naman ang mga nasa transport sector,” said the opisyal.
Meanwhile, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) calls for P5,000 assistance per family, free transportation, paid quarantine leave, and price freeze during the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila.
“Ngayon pa nga lang, nauuna nang mawalan ng trabaho ang restaurant workers natin dahil sa pagbabawas ng capacity ng mga kainan. Saan po sila kukuha ng pangkain nila kung no-work no-pay ang iskema sa trabaho?” asked Jerome Adonis, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) secretary general.
More than 11 million individuals were given SAP then, and they are also the target to be given now.
But the DOLE thinks separate assistance will be needed for the 400,000 workers directly affected by the ECQ.
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