By Froilan Gallardo, Special Correspondent .
STARTING Aug. 15, drivers and commuters of public buses and jeepneys are required to wear face shields over their facemasks.
The Department of Transportation issued Memorandum Circular no. 2020-014 on Aug. 3 implementing the mandatory use of face shields over facemasks of all drivers and passengers of public conveyance vehicles nationwide.
Citing health protocols, Transport Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs Artemio Tuazon said in a statement that “the use of face shields and masks reduces exposure to and emission of respiratory droplets considerably.”
Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Aminodin Guro for Northern Mindanao said they would be strict on what kind of face shields commuters and drivers should wear: they should cover the face and mouth.
Guro said drivers and operators would be fine P5,000 and face revocation of their franchise if they would not follow the new health guideline.
He said commuters who do not wear face shields over their facemasks would not be allowed to board the public conveyance vehicles.
“It is now legal for drivers to deny a passenger for a ride of the passenger did not wear a face shield and facemask,” Guro said.
Guro said the directive will not also allow the use of mobile phones or talking with fellow passengers while the buses and jeepneys are in motion.
He said the drivers can crop anytime passengers who violate the non-use of mobile phones and no talking policy.
