Governor Gwendolyn Garcia on Monday issued an executive order (EO) allowing full seating capacity in public utility vehicles (PUV) in Cebu province.
However, Garcia ordered the regular disinfection of all surfaces in PUVs, especially the seats, armrests, and handles using disinfecting agents and ultraviolet germicidal light.
“Driver and conductors are required to wear face masks while the wearing of personal air purifiers is strongly encouraged,” she said in her EO No. 7 which takes effect after midnight on Tuesday (March 1).
To ensure compliance with health protocols, the PUVs plying in any localities under the Cebu province are required to secure provincial utility vehicle passes indicating the plate number, control number, and the permitted sitting capacity.
The passes will bear the signature of Garcia and a quick response (QR) code.
Violators will be slapped with penalties as prescribed by the Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
The order also allowed PUVs to exit the North and South Bus Terminals after securing a trip ticket that reflects the date of the trip, route, permitted sitting capacity, the actual number of passengers on board, and the last disinfection.
Like the passes, the trip ticket will also bear a QR code, plate number, with the addition of the dispatcher’s signature.
“The Philippine National Police shall set up checkpoints in strategic areas to help monitor compliance by PUVs with the requirements prescribed in this order,” the EO said.
Those PUVs found violating the order will no longer be allowed to travel to their destination, apart from the penalties based on the existing regulations.
The order directed operators to provide vehicle transport to passengers of their PUVs flagged down at the checkpoints for violations.
After consultation with the operators, the Land Transportation Office, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Garcia said she issued the order following a steady decline in Covid-19 cases in the province. (PNA)
