Gov’t forms panel to study entry of foreigners amid COVID-19 threat

The Philippine government formed a panel that will study the possible entry of more foreigners amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Malacañang said Tuesday.

The sub-technical working group of the Philippines’ COVID-19 task force will be headed by the Department of Tourism with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, Department of Justice, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Health, Bureau of Quarantine and Board of Investments as members.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the panel was mandated to study and address the management of foreign nationals who will be allowed to enter the country for specific purposes.

The panel’s creation was prompted by the appeal of a foreign embassy for the Philippines to ease inbound travel restrictions to allow the entry of foreign workers in flagship infrastructure projects and permanent resident visa holders.

“Hindi pa po naaprubahan iyan at binigay po sa TWG para pag-aralan,” Roque said in a televised briefing.

Only Filipinos, their spouse and children, accredited foreign government and international organization officials, as well as foreign airline crew, are currently allowed to enter the country.  — DVM, GMA News