By Chito Chavez
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya on May 27, Wednesday, appealed to local government units to issue medical certificates for stranded individuals for free.
DILG undersecretary and spokesman Jonathan Malaya (DILG 10 via PIA / MANILA BULLETIN)
These stranded individuals need medical certificates to clear them from COVID-19 before being issued a travel authority.
“Sana ‘balato’ na lang ng LGUs ‘yung medical certificate sa mga stranded na individuals (They should just give away the medical certificates for these stranded persons),’’ Malaya said in a news briefing.
Malaya said the DILG has received reports that a locality in Batangas is charging P3,000 for the issuance of medical certificates.
But Malaya noted the issue has been resolved after immediate action from the DILG.
In making the appeal, Malaya said LGUs understood that these stranded individuals have been stuck for two months and are possibly running out of cash, if they haven’t yet.
He cited the LGUs for their understanding as most have now charged minimal fees for the medical certificates.
Defending his call, Malaya said LGUs need not charge exorbitant fees as no laboratory tests were conducted for the medical certificates.
He added that the DILG has a joint memorandum circular with other agencies that rationalizes the charges and fees of the LGUs.