Metro Manila residents must secure a medical certificate and a travel pass from the police before they can visit Tagaytay City while the community quarantine remains in effect, Malacañang said Thursday.
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque explained that such travel authority is still required if a person from a general community quarantine (GCQ) area like Metro Manila will go to Tagaytay City, Cavite, which is currently under the less restrictive modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
The country's community quarantine classification remains in effect until the end of the month unless modified by President Duterte.
"To summarize, MGCQ to MGCQ travel hindi kinakailangan ng travel pass but the local government unit may still impose it. GCQ to MGCQ, kinakailangan ng travel pass (To summarize, travel pass is not needed for MGCQ to MGCQ travel but the local government unit may still impose it. When traveling GCQ to MGCQ, travel pass is required)," Roque said during a televised press briefing.
"Mga taga-Metro Manila na nais pumunta ng Tagaytay kinakailangan ninyo pong kumuha ng travel pass at bago kayo mabigyan ng travel pass ng PNP, kinakailangan magprisinta po kayo ng medical certificate (To Metro Manila residents who want to visit Tagaytay, you must get a travel pass. And before the PNP gives a travel pass, you must present a medical certificate)," he said.
Early in the day, Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla has apologized for the hasty travel warning to Tagaytay, and made clear that visitors don't have to present any travel pass when visiting the place. Tagaytay is a popular tourist destination known for its cool breeze, great local dishes, and the breathtaking view of Taal lake and volcano.
Remulla however appealed to travelers to observe health and safety protocols to avoid the transmission of the coronavirus.
Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar however later clarified that travelers from areas under GCQ, modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), and enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) are still required to secure a travel authority to enter Tagaytay. He maintained that only authorized persons outside residence are allowed to travel outside Metro Manila.