Año reminds mayors use of tricycles not allowed

March 18, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday reminded local government units (LGU) that tricycles, which is a mode of public transportation, are not allowed during the one-month enhanced community quarantine period.

“I already told the mayors of NCR (National Capital Region) that tricycles are not allowed. First, you cannot practice social distancing there… second if you open (that mode of transportation), you give people opportunity to go out.” Año said in a radio interview.

On Tuesday, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto urged the national government to allow the use of tricycles as vehicles owned by the local governments will not be enough to cater all who are still exempted from the quarantine.

But according to the secretary, the strategy under total lockdown is the cancellation of all public and mass transportation.

“So people will be forced to stay at home… if you give exemption, you are now again violating the principle of total lockdown,” Año said.

Año said during their interagency task force (IATF) meeting Tuesday, the LGUs, the Department of Transportation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will help health workers by providing them with shuttle services.

“On the following days, (the situation) will be more orderly and fewer vehicles will be on the road,” he said. Ella Dionisio/DMS