Filipinos can now proceed with their essential overseas trips after the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases allowed essential outbound travel.
Based on IATF Resolution No. 57, essential outbound travel of Filipinos is now allowed but subject to the following condition
- The execution of a Bureau of Immigration (BI) declaration acknowledging the risks involved in traveling, including the risk of delay in their return trip, to be provided for in the check-in counters by the airlines.
- Upon return, they shall follow the Guidelines of Returning Overseas Filipinos of the National Task Force.
- The omnibus guidelines of the IATF on interzonal travel were likewise amended to allow Filipinos leaving for abroad to pass through checkpoints subject to the presentation of sufficient supporting documents.
The IATF has initially allowed the non-essential outbound travel of Filipinos in its Resolution No. 52. However, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said in his Thursday presser that this has been temporarily suspended.
According to Roque, non-essential outbound travel is temporarily suspended as only one insurance company agreed to offer the coverage required by the IATF.
"Isa sa mga kondisyon doon ay ang pagkakaroon ng (One of the conditions is that there should be) travel at health insurance to cover rebooking and accommodation expenses if stranded, and hospitalization kung sakaling may (in case of an) infection," he said.
"Ang malungkot na bahagi po, iisang insurance company lamang sa Pilipinas ang pumayag ng ganitong travel and health insurance kaya sinuspinde muna ng IATF ang non-essential outbound travel (The sad part is, only one insurance company offered this coverage that's why the IATF decided to suspend non-essential outbound travel temporarily)," he added.
Roque refused to identify the lone compliant insurance company but said the government will officially ask the Insurance Commission to urge more companies to offer the said coverage.
Roque said those with confirmed bookings as of July 20, 2020 will be allowed to proceed with their non-essential outbound travel.