Foreigners using a tourist visa are still barred from entering the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Tuesday.

According to Roque, the government has so far allowed only foreigners visiting the country for business and investments as the government moves to stimulate economic growth.

"Depende po kung anong visa ng foreigner pero sa ngayon po, iyong mga papasok sa tourist visa hindi pa po ina-allow (It depends on the visa of the foreigner but for now, those planning to enter with a tourist visa are not yet allowed)," Roque said during a Palace press briefing Tuesday.

"Ang mga allowed lamang ang pinaka-latest po iyong tinatawag na treaty trader under (Section) 9d (of the Philippine Immigration Act). Before that, in-allow po natin iyong mga long staying visa kasama po diyan iyong mga investors’ visa na ini-issue ng iba’t-ibang mga economic zone (The latest allowed to enter are those treaty traders or those under Section 9d. Before that, we allowed those with long-staying visas, investors' visa issued by different economic zones)," he said.

He said the government eased the travel restrictions on these foreign businessmen since their investments could help generate job opportunities in the country.

"So, lahat po ng mga binibigyan natin ngayon ng visa is related to business dahil kapag nandito na iyong mga dayuhang iyan, they can generate jobs. Pero kung pupunta po as tourist visa, hindi pa po allowed (All those given visas are related to business because when the foreigner businessmen are here, they can generate jobs. But if they will go here with a tourist visa, that is not yet allowed)," he said.

The government recently allowed the entry of more foreign nationals to the country. The Bureau of Immigration announced that "treaty traders and treaty investors" or those issued 9 (d) visas to carry on trade or commerce in the country are allowed to enter the country. The spouses and minor children as well as employees of these visa holders can also enter the country.

Foreigners with visas issued by economic zones such as the Freeport Area of Bataan, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, and Clark Development Corp. are also allowed to enter the country.

The government started to reopen the country’s doors to certain foreigners, particularly those with investor visas, starting November 1 amid efforts to revitalize the economy hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Allowed to enter are foreign investors, foreign personnel of regional or area headquarters of multinational companies, their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21, and those employed in export processing zone enterprises.

These foreigners must have a valid and existing visa at the time of entry as well as a pre-booked accredited quarantine facility. The country's immigration laws will also be applied in the entry of foreigners.