Malacañang announced on Thursday that the one-meter physical distancing policy would remain until President Rodrigo Duterte came up with a final decision.
Earlier this week, the Department of Transport reduced the required physical distancing between commuters from one meter to 0.75 meters.
“Sinabi po ni [Transport] Arthur Secretary Tugade na pansamantalang isususpinde po iyong implementasyon ng 0.75-meter distancing sa pampublikong mga transportasyon at ibabalik po ito sa one meter,” Palace spokesman Harry Roque said in a virtual briefing.
The proposal was met with criticism from health experts and Cabinet members.
Aside from adhering to distancing protocols, commuters are also required to wear face masks and face shields in public transport.
Roque said Duterte was expected to make the decision on Monday, Sept. 21. John Ezekiel J. Hirro