DOLE wants ridership up to 70% as full ops of some biz allowed

In a radio interview, Bello said the limited capacity on public transportation is taking a toll on workers. (PIA file photo)

MANILA – Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Monday called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to increase the ridership capacity in public transportation to 70 percent.

In a radio interview, Bello said the limited capacity on public transportation is taking a toll on workers.

“Employees would like to report to work but there are no rides available. We are also requesting to allow more people inside public transportation, an increase in ridership of (up to) 70 percent,” Bello said.

While many workers have resorted to biking as an alternative mode of transport, ridership capacity in public transportation remains limited due to the “one-meter” physical distancing policy implemented by the government.

This came as President Rodrigo Duterte decided to maintain the policy following clamors from various sectors that decreased physical distancing in public transport may result in further transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Beginning Monday, the DOTr also suspended the mandatory use of Beep cards in buses plying the Edsa Busway after fare collection operator AF Payments Inc. refused to heed its call to give the Beep cards to passengers for free upon payment of the fare.

Meanwhile, Bello welcomed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) move to allow some business establishments to operate up to 100 percent capacity.

“This is a big thing for our workers. We are for the proposal of (Trade) Secretary Ramon Lopez. I will support that. The most affected here are the workers, they have no jobs in the past months,” he said.

In Memorandum Circular 20-52 issued last week, the DTI allowed businesses listed under Categories II and III in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) to operate at full capacity starting October 3, as part of measures to gradually revive the economy.

These businesses are mining and quarrying; other financial services such as money exchange, insurance, reinsurance, lending companies, and non-compulsory pension funding; legal and accounting; management consultancy activities; architecture and engineering activities; technical testing and analysis; scientific and research development; and advertising and market research.

Also allowed to operate at full capacity are businesses engaged in computer programming, publishing and printing services, as well as film, music, and TV production.

Other business activities that may hike their current operational capacity are recruitment and placement agencies for overseas employment; photography services for fashion, industrial, graphic, and interior design; wholesale and retail trade of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles, including their parts and components; and repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and bicycles, including vulcanizing shops, battery repair shops, auto repair shops, and car wash.

Subject further to pertinent guidelines issued by the DTI, the MC also include malls and commercial centers for non-leisure business activities and mall-based non-leisure wholesale and retail establishments such as hardware stores; clothing and accessories; bookstore and school and office supplies stores; infant care supplies; pet shops, pet food, and pet care supplies; IT, communications, and electronic equipment; flower, jewelry, novelty, antique, and perfume shops; toy stores, but playgrounds and amusement area must remain closed; music stores; art galleries, but for selling purposes only; and firearms and ammunition trading establishments.

Public and private construction projects may also operate at full capacity.

Barbershops and salons are likewise allowed to increase their capacity but only up to 75 percent, and physical distancing should be strictly observed.

Meanwhile, food establishments’ dine-in, take-out, and delivery services are also allowed to operate up to 24 hours.