Lack of public transport and traffic bottlenecks greeted Day 1 of the implementation of general community quarantine (GCQ)in Metro Manila.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on Monday morning said the government’s approach to public transport was “partial, limited, calculated and gradual.”
“Hindi po kami nagbigay ng asa na sa unang araw ng GCQ, lahat ng pupunta sa kalsada ay may masasakyan. May limitasyon po `yan,” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines’ “The Source.”
He pleaded for the public’s patience and understanding, citing “abnormal” times.
“Nakikiusap po kami na bigyan niyo kami ng pasesnya at understanding… sapagkat wala po kaming pinangako na ang transportasyon ay magiging extensive at mami-meet ang requirements of all on the first day of GCQ — even in the duration of GCQ,” Tugade said.
Transport department regulations call for a two-phase scheme to gradually allow public transport under the GCQ. Phase 1 from June 1 to 21 will allow bicycles, trains and bus augmentation, taxis, TNVS, shuttle services, and point-to-point buses to operate. Phase 2 from June 22 to 30 will allow public utility buses (PUBs), modern PUVs, and UV express to ply their routes.
Metro Manila saw an influx of commuters Monday morning as more companies were allowed to resume operations but with a limited number of employees.
There were reports of employees being required to report for work without their employers providing shuttle services.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said last May 23 that employers were required to provide transportation to their workers, should they be required to return to work. John Ezekiel J. Hirro