By Minka Tiangco
Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso reminded residents that the rapid testing services being offered by the city government are free.
The statement came after the local government unit received reports of persons charging residents who want to undergo rapid testing for the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
"May napapabalita na may naniningil sa rapid testing. Wala pong bayad 'yan (We have been receiving reports that there are people charging others for rapid testing. That can be availed for free)," Domagoso said in his city address Monday night.
"Libre yan, serbisyo na dapat nakukuha ng libre. Huwag kayong papatol (sa mga naniningil). 'Pag 'yan ay kaloob ng MHD (Manila Health Department), libre at wala dapat bayaran (That is a service that should be availed for free. Do not patronize those who are selling the service. If it is offered by the MHD, it should be for free)," he added.
The Manila mayor also said that the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, with each kit costing up to P8,000, is also being offered by the city government for free.
The MHD is already investigating claims of persons charging others to avail of rapid testing, the local chief executive said.
Data from the city government showed that a total of 11,663 PCR tests and 89,063 rapid tests have been performed for the city's probable and suspect COVID-19 patients as of Monday afternoon.