DILG eyes removal of RT-PCR test as travel requirement

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)on Tuesday said it plans to do away with the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as a requirement for travel.

According to Bernadette Reyes’ report on “24 Oras” on Tuesday, aside from the RT-PCR test, the DILG is also considering the removal of travel authority and medical certificate as a requirement to go from one place to another.

“Kung hindi ka naman, wala ka namang manifestation ng symptoms, wala ka ring exposure bago ka bumiyahe, eh hindi ka naman kailangang i-test,” DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing said.

Instead, Densing said travellers will be required to undergo clinical assessment at the terminal of origin and terminal of destination.

“Para pagpasok ng traveler, pagpasok pa lang bago sumakay, ma-assess na siya kung may sintomas ng COVID-19 at magkakaroon din ng clinical assessment pagdating sa terminal of destination,” he said.

Densing said the DILG will still consult with local government units on the matter.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism supported the plan to streamline travel rules.

“The DOT has long been advocating for the simplification of travel requirements as this is critical in making domestic tourism work,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

“Streamlining entry requirements will make travelling in the new normal more convenient while also protecting the public’s safety and well-being,” she added.

Moreover, while the League of Provinces of the Philippines support the government’s efforts to reopen the economy, it said streamlining entry requirements is not the best option amid the new variants of COVID-19.

“Ang COVID ngayon, pataas pa lalo na at may variants pa so medyo delikado talaga mag-open ng borders para sa mga tourist,” LPP president Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco, Jr. said.

“‘Yung mga local chief executives, ibigay natin sa kanila ‘yong poder na dumiskarte. Hindi ho kasi puwede na isang rule, applicable sa lahat,” he added.

Cebu earlier announced it will no longer require domestic tourists to show a negative COVID-19 test, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said.—Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News