Guidelines on the Use of Face Shields Inside the Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs)

November 16, 2021

LTFRB MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2021-068

 

WHEREAS, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Proclamation No. 922 entitled "Declaring a State of Public Health Emergency Throughout the Philippines" on 08 March 2020 in view of the reported COVID-19 cases in the country; HTcADC

WHEREAS, in the previous policy issued by the Board, particularly Memorandum Circular No. 2020-061 dated 15 October 2020, it prescribed health protocols to be observed in all PUVs, mandating drivers, conductors and passengers which includes the use of face shields while inside the PUV;

WHEREAS, after consistent vaccination roll-out, the COVID-19 infection rate in the Philippines has substantially declined, leading to the lowering of quarantine alert level status in most of the areas nationwide;

WHEREAS, IATF under Resolution No. 148-D, series of 2021, which was approved by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on 15 November 2021, has established the protocols on the use of face shields;

NOW THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the foregoing, the Board hereby adopts the guidelines of the IATF on the use of face shields inside Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) as follows:

1. For areas under Alert Levels 1, 2, and 3, the use of face shields inside PUVs shall be voluntary and will no longer be required.

2. For areas under Alert Level 4, the use of face shields inside PUVs shall be under the discretion of the Local Government Units (LGUs) within their areas of jurisdiction.

3. For areas under Alert Level 5, the use of face shield inside PUVs shall be mandatory.

All other existing health protocols including the mandatory use of face mask and of the observance allowed passenger capacity in the operation of PUVs shall still be STRICTLY OBSERVED and shall remain in full force and effect.

All issuances inconsistent herewith are hereby superseded and amended accordingly.

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately following its publication in at least one (1) newspaper of general circulation. Let three (3) copies hereof be filed with the UP Law Center-Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR).

SO ORDERED.

APPROVED AND SIGNED by the undersigned Chairman and Board Members, this 16th day of November 2021, Quezon City, Philippines.

(SGD.) ATTY. MARTIN B. DELGRA, IIIChairman

(SGD.) P/COL. JOEL C. PERNITO (Ret)Board Member

(SGD.) ENGR. SHERWIN MYLIL S. BEGYANBoard Member

Attested by:

(SGD.) MARIA KRISTINA E. CASSIONExecutive Director