Rep. Co urges gov't to resume provincial bus ops after woman's death

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co urged the national government to immediately allow the resumption of provincial bus operations to help stranded Filipinos return home, following the death of a single mother who died while waiting for a bus.

Co specifically appealed to the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), the Departments of Health, Transportation, and Interior and Local Government, and various local government units (LGUs) to create unified guidelines.

The lawmaker highlighted that the death of Michelle Silvertino, who was found unconscious at a footbridge in Pasay City after days of waiting for a bus to Bicol, underscores the urgent need for action.

He emphasized that the lack of public transportation prevents thousands of Filipinos and overseas workers from reuniting with their families in the provinces.

Co stressed that the proposed guidelines should aim to facilitate the return of stranded Filipinos while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 infection.

He cited his personal experience in coordinating efforts to bring home stranded construction workers and students, noting that while difficult, such operations are feasible.