Fully vaccinated tourists, returning Filipinos should be allowed in PHL —House leader

The Philippines should begin allowing the entry of foreign nationals and returning Filipinos who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to boost tourism and the retail sector, a leader of the House of Representatives said.

“Let us open our country to all the fully vaccinated people into our country, so that our hotels, airlines, restaurants, shopping malls, and related retail establishments can operate at full capacity,” House Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero said in a statement.

He pointed out that at least one billion people around the world have completed the  required two doses of the vaccines.

"We should let them in as long as they present their valid vaccination cards upon boarding at point of origin," he said.

The House leader said tourism and retail sectors could be among the drivers of growth as the country's economy begins picking up anew even as Filipinos continue to grapple with the virus.

“Filipinos need jobs, food, and other basic needs. This is the only way. We cannot sit and just wait for the world to revolve," Romero said.

"We already did the world’s longest lockdown. Government has to be proactive, we need to progress, move forward,” he added.

He said that as part of the health protocols, the visitors may be made to undergo swab test upon arrival to ensure they are not carrying the virus.

On Friday, the Department of Health reported 8,748 new infections bringing the total COVID-19 cases in the country to 1,037,460.  Of these, 73,908 remain active cases.—LDF, GMA News