The government will decide on the requests of some foreigners seeking entry into the country on a case-by-case basis amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a Palace official.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said while travel restrictions remain in place, foreigners with a valid reason to travel to the country may apply for an entry visa at the consulates in their point of origin. 

"Let me clarify, nag-issue rin po si (Immigration) Commissioner (Jaime) Morente. The general rule is not allowed but they must present if there is a valid reason to enter," he said during a Palace press briefing Thursday when asked when the government will allow the entry of foreigners into the country.

"Case-by-case basis po na dedesisyunan iyan at kinakailangan mag-apply ng entry visa sa ating konsulado abroad (It will be decided on case-by-case basis and they must apply for entry visa at the consulate abroad)," he added.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente had earlier issued a statement clarifying that foreign tourists are still barred from entering the country. 

He said only Filipinos, their spouses, and minor children are allowed entry to the country using tourist visas. Foreign spouses, minor children including those with special needs of Filipinos, as well as foreign parents of Filipino children with special needs may enter the country provided they secure or possess the appropriate visas.

Morente said those eligible to enter are required to obtain an entry visa from the Philippine embassies or consulates in their points of origins before traveling.

On the petitions to allow foreign fiancés of Filipinos to enter the country, Roque said the matter is subject to the discussion of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Infectious Diseases (IATF).

Roque recognized the mounting clamor of the "Love is not tourism" movement seeking to allow the entry of unmarried foreign partners of Filipinos. He said he would personally raise the matter during the IATF meeting.