Davao allows taxis and tricycles during quarantine

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has permitted the operation of tricycles and taxis within the city despite the ongoing community quarantine implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The mayor cited the Department of the Interior and Local Government's Memorandum Circular 2020-062 as the legal basis for her decision.

Executive Order 23 outlines specific guidelines for allowed transportation, including private vehicles, taxis, tricycles, motorcycles, bicycles, and free bus rides for essential workers.

Private vehicles and taxis are permitted one driver and one passenger in front, and one passenger at the back, with physical distancing to be observed.

Tricycles will also operate with one driver and one passenger in front, and one passenger at the back, adhering to physical distancing rules.

Motorcycles and bicycles are allowed for single riders.

Free bus rides will be provided for employees in essential services, such as health workers and other frontliners.

Mayor Duterte emphasized that prohibiting these modes of transport would create an impractical situation where those with private vehicles could move freely, while the general public would be forced to walk long distances for basic necessities.