TRANSPORTATION Secretary Art Tugade ordered the Philippine Ports Authority and other transport officials and agencies to allow stranded passengers with children to leave.

Tugade issued the order following reports on stranded passengers with children at the Manila North Harbor bound for Bacolod and Zamboanga,

Reports said that the children were not allowed to board because their parents were not vaccinated.

“When I saw the news, I was fuming,” Tugade said.

“My instruction from the very beginning is plain and simple— the ‘No Vaxx, No Ride/Entry’ policy should be implementated as patient and tolerant as possible, but firm,” he added.

“I immediately called a meeting and ordered the PPA, through General Manager Jay Santiago, to immediately allow the stranded passengers with children to return home to their provinces, provide them with food, assist in the costs of their tickets, and give financial assistance. PPA assured me that these instructions will be executed not later than this morning. After all, returning home is essential travel!” Tugade said.