CHR: Lift MRT, LRT ban on seniors, pregnant women

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) yesterday asked the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to revisit its policy that would ban senior citizens and pregnant women from riding the elevated railways when Metro Manila eases into a general community quarantine (GCQ).

CHR focal commissioner on rights of older people and women Karen Gomez-Dumpit said banning older people and pregnant women from using the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and (LRT) at any time, even during situations that allow them to leave their homes, potentially restricts their ability to access essential goods and services or to go to work.

“If this ban is enforced, pregnant women and older persons who normally commute to their workplaces, health facilities, and to access other essential places using the MRT or LRT will utilize other modes of public transportation,” she said.

The CHR official said the ban limits the transportation options of older people and pregnant women, as well as exposes them further to the commuting crowd.

She said this could also result in other individually imposed restrictions on other modes of public transportation, which may further escalate to discriminatory acts.

Dumpit urged the DOTr to focus on proactive measures and consult the sectors involved, noting that clear protocols and guidelines are needed instead of a total ban.

“We believe that the strict implementation of physical distancing and hygiene protocols in the MRT and LRT are sufficient to lower the risk of infection not only for older people and pregnant women, but for everyone regardless of age and circumstance,” she said.

Dumpit recommended “the designation of additional separate train cars for older persons and pregnant women. We also recommend the strict implementation of priority lanes to provide them relief and to lessen their waiting time. This also means lesser risk of exposure to a big crowd.”