Bello urges lifting of ban on travel to Taiwan

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has "requested" the lifting of  the ban the Philippine government has imposed on overseas Filipino workers traveling  to Taiwan.

In a statement, Bello said he was in constant coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), the lead agency in dealing with the threat of coronavirus disease 2019.

“We are seeking understanding from our OFWs because the implementation of a temporary ban by the DOH is for your own safety as well," Bello said.

"We hope for a possible lifting of the ban in a few days,” he added.

Bello said a review was forthcoming of the measure, which included Taiwan in the Philippines' travel ban to and from China and its special administrative regions Hong Kong and Macau.

“For those who are affected by the travel ban in Taiwan, we ask for your patience and in a few days, there will be a review. While waiting for the lifting of the ban, we are providing financial assistance,” Bello said.

Bello said members of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) affected by the ban are entitled to receive P10,000 financial assistance amid the crisis.

Bello said he was certain that the result of the assessment would be favorable to the migrant Filipinos.

He asked affected OFWs to wait for developments in the next three to five days.

OWWA is also providing stranded OFWs with accommodation, food, and transportation assistance. —Joahna Lei Casilao/NB, GMA News