QUEZON CITY -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government today explained that the presence of Philippine National Police (PNP) checkpoints requiring residents to show proof of vaccination status is being done in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to restrict the mobility of the unvaccinated especially in public transportation.

“The DILG and the PNP has begun implementing the measures directed by the President to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the country especially in Alert Level 3 areas where there has been an exponential increase of cases due to the transmission of the Omicron variant,” said DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya.

He advised all motorists and commuters to bring proof of vaccination at all times if they want to be allowed entry at PNP checkpoints or when entering malls and other public places including taking public transportation.

"Being the President, ultimately, I am responsible for the safety and well-being of every Filipino," the President said in his Talk to the People Thursday night.

Malaya said that the installation of checkpoints in border areas in Metro Manila and Bulacan is also in compliance with the ordinances passed by Local Government Units restricting the mobility of the unvaccinated.

Quezon City, for instance, has already passed Ordinance 3076 last January 4, 2022 which requires all unvaccinated individuals to remain in their homes, and be prohibited from restaurants, leisure places, social trips, malls and similar places and public transportation, and provides penalties for violations.

Metro Manila mayors earlier passed a resolution stating that unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals must remain in their homes except for essential trips under Alert Level 3 or higher. They will also be banned from indoor and al fresco dining, hotels, country clubs, and similar establishments.

Malaya said that unvaccinated individuals going to work must present a negative RT-PCR test result every 2 weeks otherwise they will not be allowed to pass the checkpoints.

He said that the PNP is making adjustments to alleviate traffic congestion as a result of the presence of the checkpoints. “The PNP will assign more uniformed personnel at busy checkpoints and implement other schemes to lessen the inconvenience to the traveling public,” he added.

“We ask for the public’s understanding at this time. We need to do this to protect the unvaccinated because they are prone to critical illness and hospitalization and we need to protect our health care system from being overwhelmed,” he said.

Many business leaders, medical groups, and organizations have been pushing for the restrictions to be implemented nationwide amid the spike in infections and the threat of the Omicron COVID-19 variant. (DILG)