MMDA will restrict movement of unvaccinated individuals

This will be very controversial: the MMDA and the Metro Manila mayors are looking at implementing restrictions specifically concerning the movement of unvaccinated individuals.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos announced that all local governments in NCR are looking at prohibiting the entry of unvaccinated adults and minors in malls, restaurants, and even public transport under the current Alert Level 3 classification.

If an individual is not vaccinated yet, the LGUs are looking to restrict said individual from boarding jeepneys, buses, taxis, and more. The only exception would be for essential trips. That's according to Abalos, who said Metro Manila Mayors have “agreed in principle” that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals must remain indoors apart from essential trips.

We reached out to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran to ask for more information about the ban on unvaccinated individuals taking public transport. She told us that there is no policy regarding it yet.

However, about an a hour ago the MMDA announced that MMDA Resolution 22-01 urges the Metro Manila local government units to enact their respective ordinances on the enhanced restrictions of the unvaccinated individuals to regulate their mobility. That means each LGU within the NCR will have to draft their own local law regarding the matter and implement it. 

The MMDA says the move to regulate the mobility of unvaccinated individuals was made in order to protect them from the rising cases in Metro Manila, especially with the threat of the new Omicron variant. It is only temporary though; the resolution only will be in effect while Alert Level 3 or higher is imposed in Metro Manila. The MMDA says it will be automatically lifted once Alert Level 2 or lower is declared.

What do you think of the MMDA's new policy regarding unvaccinated individuals? Share your thoughts in the comments section.