ATIENZA, NATHANIEL D.

BS-CRMININOLOGY

Amidst this global pandemic, we are reflecting in real-time on how systems undergo large-scale
transformation-how government, businesses, schools cities and communities adapt and make
fundamental changes to existing ways of working. As we observe the current situation in our country, the
most affected sectors are our transportation sectors (Jeepney drivers, Tricycle drivers etc.)

As a criminology student, what are your insights and opinion on the current situation? What would you
propose to our government to help our PUJ Drivers? Your essay must have Introduction, Objectives,
Conclusion and Recommendation. You may include some pictures and quotation if you want.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of

coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in
Wuhan, China, in December 2019.

On 30 January 2020, the Philippine Department of Health reported the first case of
COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year-old female Chinese national. On 7 March, the
first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed. World Health Organization (WHO)
is working closely with the Department of Health in responding to the COVID-19
outbreak.

On March 16, 2020, Philippines under President Rodrigo Duterte imposed an enhanced

community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon (including its associated islands), which is
effectively a total lockdown, implementation of curfews, strict observance of social
distancing and restricting the movement of the population except for necessity, work,
and health circumstances, in response to the growing pandemic of coronavirus disease
2019 (COVID-19) in the country.

As a criminology student and as one of the front liner of our Barangay, I observed that
social distancing is being implemented. As the ECQ was lifted, the GCQ Guidelines
comes in and it includes that public transportation or public vehicles can operate again.
Tricycles drivers were back on track WITH a limit of only one passenger. Jeepneys are
not yet operating maybe because it is unjustifiable to be paid as the same price as the
fare when it’s still normal. I understand some drivers who are not yet back on tracks
because it is given that the numbers of passengers were limited so it is a big loss for
them plus the price of gasoline is gradually rising.

Due to the given limit of passengers, Municipalities or TODA’s may make a new Fare
Guide that will be applicable until the last day of community quarantine. Commuters
also need to understand the situation of every PUV drivers.