DILG wants LGUs to follow uniform travel protocols; erring execs to get show cause order

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said it will release a memorandum circular mandating local government units to follow the travel protocols set by the government’s inter-agency COVID-19 task force.

Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said some LGUs have not been complying with the protocols stated in Resolution 101 of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases. 

The resolution says travelers need not undergo COVID-19 testing unless required by the LGU, quarantine will not be imposed unless travelers manifest symptoms upon arrival, and travel authority and health certificates are no longer required.

“We have noticed that some LGUs, until now, have not been complying with the IATF resolution because they are waiting for the implementing rules and regulations,” Malaya said in Filipino during a briefing.

“The DILG will release a memorandum circular implementing IATF Resolution 101… Once the [it] is released and there are still non-compliant LGUs, and there may be some, then the DILG will be forced to issue a show cause order,” he added.

Malaya urged LGUs to comply to avoid facing charges filed by the DILG.

The memorandum circular will be released later on Thursday or on Friday.

After the loosening of travel restrictions drew flak, the DILG said the IATF resolution was crafted in consultation with health experts, police, and local officials. — Julia Mari Ornedo/RSJ, GMA News