Relief, disappointment as Philippines restarts some transport services

By Adrian Portugal
MANILA, May 29 (Reuters) - Philippine taxi dispatcher Meliza
Venal heaved a sigh of relief when she learned that hundreds of
her company's drivers can finally go back to work after being
stuck in their homes for 11 weeks.
But she's worried about venturing out when some transport
services resume in the capital Manila from Monday, and feels the
threat of the new coronavirus still lingers.
The Philippines saw its highest daily spike in coronavirus
cases on Thursday, but that didn't stop President Rodrigo
Duterte from easing one of the world's toughest and longest
lockdowns. "I'm still nervous because the virus is still out there but
glad that the taxi drivers and I can go back to work," she said.
Those drivers will now be separated from passengers by a
plastic barrier and sanitizers and disinfectants will also be
provided to them, she said.
Though taxis, trains, buses and ride hailing services are
allowed to reopen, the country's iconic jeepneys - the crowded
and colourful budget passenger trucks - must remain off the
road.
Their drivers are dismayed.
"It is difficult and painful not knowing when we can go back
to work," said Jude Recio, a Manila jeepney driver.
"Trying to take care of ourselves is difficult enough and we
still have our children to feed."
A typical jeepney crams in 10 to 16 commuters sitting
knee-to-knee on twin benches, making it difficult to enforce
social distancing measures.
Under the relaxed rules in place for the next two weeks,
workplaces and shops will reopen and movement in and out of
Manila will be permitted, provided that people wear masks and
observe social distancing.
The easing could help restore much-needed activity in an
economy facing its deepest contraction in 34 years as the
pandemic-induced lockdown shuttered businesses and sapped
domestic demand.

(Writing by Karen Lema; Editing by Martin Petty)