Local government units (LGUs) could still require coronavirus testing for domestic travelers prior to entry to their place of destination, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque recognized the authority of local government units in deciding on health precautions despite a recent decision of the government pandemic task force on the uniform travel protocols.

"'Yung uniform protocols natin intended for domestic travel only (Our uniform protocols are intended for domestic travel only)," Roque said during a televised press briefing Tuesday, March 1.

"'Yung rules naman natin sa domestic travel, hindi natin tinanggalan ng kapangyarihan ang lokal na pamahalaan na mag-require pa rin ng PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test kung gusto nila. Nandun pa rin 'yun na puwede sila mag-require ng PCR test (On the rules on domestic travel, we did not remove the authority of the local government units to require PCR test if they want. It's still there, they make PCR test a requirement)," he said.

Roque said quarantine may also be imposed for travelers in case they show symptoms of the new coronavirus disease. "Mayroon silang examination, symptomatic assessment sa mga port of entry (They will undergo an examination, symptomatic assessment at the port of entry)," he added.

Last Friday, Feb. 26, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) issued Resolution No. 101 approving a uniform set of travel protocols for land, air and sea across the country.  The rules were crafted in coordination with the local government officials. 

The task force has ruled that testing will no longer be mandatory for travelers except when required by the local government unit of destination. Quarantine is also not mandatory unless the traveler shows symptoms of the new coronavirus disease.

The common travel protocols include compliance with minimum public health standards such as physical distancing, wearing of masks and shields, as well as health screening of travelers in ports of entry and exit.

Travelers, however, are no longer required to get a health certificate as well as a travel authority issued by Joint Task Force COVID-19.  The Department of Science and Technology's (DOST)’s Safe, Swift, and Smart Passage (S-PaSS) Travel Management System has been designated as a one-stop-shop application and communication for travelers.

On complaints that some LGUs do not follow common travel guidelines, Roque recognized that they should be given time to implement the latest IATF resolution. He said they expect the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to notify the concerned LGUs on compliance with the travel guidelines.

The Department of Tourism has called for uniform travel protocols after expressing concern over the different requirements by LGUs that have become confusing and cumbersome for travelers.

The tourism sector is among the severely hit industries in the country as the movement of Filipinos has been restricted to curb the spread of the pandemic. Several local travel destinations have recently reopened to visitors in a bid to revive the domestic tourism industry.