Pasig deploys tricycles for essential workers

MANILA, Philippines — In Pasig City, tricycles have been allowed to transport persons exempted from the enhanced community quarantine.

Mayor Vico Sotto said while they have rolled out city government-owned vehicles to give free rides, they allowed tricycles to operate amid the lack of transportation for health workers and other essential service providers.

Under the enhanced community quarantine, the government suspended

operations of public transportation to restrict the movement of people to contain the transmission of the virus.

“Our risk assessment shows that we cannot completely ban tricycles at this point because health workers and essential service providers need to report to work,” Sotto said in a statement.

Tricycles are operating under strict guidelines such as limited passengers for social distancing and the barring of non-exempted individuals from hailing a ride.

The city government also assured employees of continued compensation. Frontliners would also receive hazard and overtime pay among other benefits.

“Even job order employees who are under a ‘no work, no pay’ policy, we would make a way for you to be paid. Just be careful and stay at home,” Sotto said

In Mandaluyong, medical personnel and frontliners were given free shuttle services and housing arrangements in condominiums were being made for non-resident government medical staff and personnel working in the city.

Mayor Menchie Abalos also ordered the release of the 13th month pay of city hall employees.

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