PRESIDENTIAL aspirant Ka Leody de Guzman slammed the Department of Transportation for its alleged illegal resolution that prohibits unvaccinated individuals to ride on public transportation.

De Guzman, quoting Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, said the resolution has no legal effect unless the Metro Manila Council passes an ordinance regarding the matter.

“Walang legal effect ang [MMC] resolution hangga’t walang mga katapat na ordinansa ang mga lungsod na saklaw ng MMC,” De Guzman said.

He also urged legal practitioners to challenge the resolution and uphold the rights of the unvaccinated individuals.

“Nananawagan ako sa mga kaibigan nating mga legal luminaries, abogado, at human rights groups na kuwestiyunin sa korte ang sistematikong pagbabalewala sa karapatan ng mamamayan sa ilegal na department order ng DOTr. Labanan natin ‘to!” De Guzman added.

The DOTr clarified that the measure is meant to “protect and not to discriminate” the unvaccinated.

It added that the rule does not violate rights and has been agreed upon by all Metro Manila mayors.

The department said that the move is to prevent another public transportation shutdown and to keep it safe and running.