The organization of local governments in the provinces is appealing to the pandemic task force to allow everyone returning to the provinces to be subjected to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) test.
This was announced by Marinduque Gov. Presbitero Velasco, Jr., head of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), now that Semana Santa is approaching when many are expected to return to the provinces from Manila, which, in recent weeks, has seen an increase in the number of new COVID-19 cases.
Some LGUs are said to be alarmed that the case may also increase in their areas.
“‘Yung hinihingi naming testing upon arrival, yun naman ay discretionary sa LGU. Kung gusto nilang mag-test ng sarili nila, okay. Kung ayaw naman nila, walang testing, okay din,” said Velasco.
On February 27, the IATF approved unified travel protocols for all LGUs, whereby COVID-19 testing and quarantine of local travelers in the country is no longer mandatory. LPP was among those who developed the new rule.
“Hindi na po required na sumailalim sa COVID-19 testing ang isang biyahero, liban na lang kung ang LGU of destination ay humingi ng testing bago ang biyahe. Ang testing ay limitado lang sa RT-PCR test,” said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque when announcing the new policy.
Some LGUs appeal for test upon arrival in provinces
The quarantine will only be imposed on those who show symptoms of COVID-19 upon arrival at their destination, he said.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government has no objection to the LPP’s latest statement.
“The DILG has no objection with the proposal of LPP because it falls within the ambit of IATF Reso 101. It’s still discretionary on the LGU to require a test,” said DILG Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya.
If the required test upon arrival is allowed, the LGUs will decide what type of COVID-19 test to use, and who will pay for it.
The DILG called on local governments to tighten enforcement of health protocols and discipline the people.
“More intensive implementation of the minimum health standards, individual discipline, indvidual responsibilty po sana ang ating gawin. Ibig sabihin, kung hindi naman kailangan ang biyaheng ‘yan, stay at home,” said Malaya