Statement of CHR Spokesperson, Atty. Jacqueline Ann de Guia, welcoming the completion of MRT-3 rehabilitation

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) welcomes the completion of the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) line. The transit line now features more operating train units; upgraded signaling, communication and CCTV systems; and, escalators and elevators in all stations have also been repaired. To celebrate the completion, the government also announced free MRT-3 rides for the public from 28 March to 30 April 2022. Commuters in Metro Manila will benefit from the improved MRT-3 given the continuous rise in gas fuel and the higher costs of public transportation. It is especially timely during this period of transition as workers are returning to their physical workplace after […]

CHR広報担当ジャクリーン・アン・デ・ギア弁護士による、ピストン・ジープニー運転手6名の逮捕・拘留とマニラ首都圏の公共交通機関の状況に関する声明

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses deep concern over the arrest of six PISTON drivers in Caloocan City this week after they petitioned the on-going ban on jeepney operations even under the general community quarantine (GCQ). They are still in detention as of this writing for allegedly violating quarantine rules. Jeepney drivers, and other members of the public transportation sector, continue to lose their source of income for at least two and a half months now since mass transportation in Metro Manila was suspended to control the spread of Covid-19. Some of the arrested drivers are within the age bracket that are at most risk, one being 72 years […]

Statement of Commissioner Karen S. Gomez-Dumpit (Focal Commissioner on the Rights of Older Persons and Women) on the Proposed LRT and MRT Ban for Older Persons and Pregnant Women during the Implementation of the General Community Quarantine Scheme in Metro Manila

The General Community Quarantine (GCQ) protocols require older persons (or those aged 60 years and above) “to remain in their residences at all times, except when indispensable under the circumstances for obtaining essential goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices.” Following this protocol, the government transport regulators have decided to ban older persons and pregnant women from riding the MRT and LRT when the NCR starts implementing the GCQ scheme. We appeal to the Department of Transportation to revisit this policy. The MRT and LRT are major transportation options for the commuting public in Metro Manila. Banning older people and pregnant women in these major transportation […]