Senior citizens and children below 18 years old are now allowed to ride public transport, such as jeepneys and trains, under the eased COVID-19 alert level in Metro Manila.

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Benhur Abalos clarified this in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, noting that public utility vehicles (PUVs) have increased their passenger capacity to 70%.

"Puwede na pong lumabas ang mga bata at matatanda, ito'y ayon sa IATF. Sa pagsakay ng mga pampublikong sasakyan ay puwede rin po silang sumakay," Abalos said.

(The children and elderly are now allowed to go out according to the IATF. They are also allowed to ride public transport.)

This statement comes after Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary and Inter-Agency Council on Traffic chief Manuel Gonzales said that minors were still barred from riding public transport even with an adult due to the absence of guidelines permitting them to do so.

The NCR alert status shifted to Level 2 on November 5. This allowed children to go out and visit indoor establishments such as malls and churches as long as they are accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult.

However, they were required to practice minimum health protocols such as the wearing of face masks and physical distancing. -- DVM, GMA News