Ever since the first case of novel CoronaVirus (nCoV) was confirmed on January 30, 2020, the virus scare has been skyrocketing out of fear of contracting the virus. Due to this, the public is advised to take necessary health precautions.

However, there is a price surge in sanitary products such as hand sanitizers, ethyl alcohol, and face masks. This leaves those who cannot afford it another load to carry.

Before the first case was confirmed, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) released a memorandum circular no. 2020-005 on January 30 which requires all the drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) to wear face masks at all times to ensure safety of the riding public, otherwise, a fine will be given.

Since its implementation, there have have been complaints from jeepney drivers that a face mask is too expensive and hard to find, forcing them to give mandatory fine. 

This is pitting the struggles of the drivers against each other — earning for their family to have food on their table or ensuring their and the passengers' health and safety.

The Union of Progressive Students firmly believes that ensuring health and safety shouldn't be at the expense of surviving. Not everyone is privileged to afford sanitary products while having no worries of providing daily needs for the family.

We adamantly call the LTFRB to junk this memorandum and give free face masks to PUV drivers instead of requiring them on their own. We call on every Iskolar Para sa Bayan to sign the petition to stand with the jeepney drivers!

Sign the petition NOW!

Source: https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/01/31/20/public-utility-drivers-told-to-wear-face-masks-vs-coronavirus