Most LGUs oppose removal of several travel protocols, requirements — League of Provinces

Most local government units (LGUs) are opposing the removal and easing of several health protocols and requirements amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) said Thursday.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, LPP president and Marinduque Governor Presbitero Velasco Jr. said most LGUs want to keep the RT-PCR COVID-19 test as a requirement for travel.

“Karamihan po ay hindi. Meron pong ilan na puwede na pong tanggalin. Pero karamihan po gustong i-impose yun, 'yung RT-PCR na pre-travel requirement,” he said.

“Yung iba naman po gustong gamitin, mag-impose upon arrival mismo 'yung PCR test, provided may laboratoryo na po doon 'yung LGU of destination kaya kailangan mabilis ang resulta,” he added.

Under the recent Resolution No. 101 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, travelers do not need to undergo testing unless required by the LGU prior to travel.

Only RT-PCR test is allowed.

Velasco, who also chairs the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), said they are requesting to also allow antigen test, which is faster and more affordable for most of the LGUs.

Travel authority, which was previously issued by the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, as well as health certificates will no longer be required.

Also, travelers will no longer be subjected to quarantine unless they exhibit symptoms at the destination upon arrival.

“Tinanggal na po ‘yung quarantine kaya nga po wala na kaming line of defense e. Tinanggal po ‘yung travel authority, health certificate, tinaggal din po ‘yung quarantine,” Velasco said.

“Ang nire-require lang po ngayon ay ‘yung clinical and exposure assessment na baka hindi supisyente kung yung gagamitin lang ay ‘yung temperature gun. Tatanungin lang sa health checklist,” he added.

Velasco said they prefer to have a thorough physical examination in the screening of travelers.

“Ang nire-request po namin ay mas thorough po ang physical examination. Hindi lang po ‘yung tinatanong dahil hindi naman po lahat nagsasabi ng totoo,” he added. — RSJ, GMA News