The president of Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP) urged on Monday, July 12, the national government to allow the use of antigen tests for travelers going to the provinces for emergency trips.
In an interview over ANC’s Headstart, ULAP president and Quirino Governor Dakila Cua explained the hassles in the getting RT-PCR tests, noting that it usually takes two days to get the result.
“Kaya nga ang sinasabi namin, kung ganoon at hindi nakapaghanda ang tao (RT-PCR test), i-allow na natin ang antigen upon arrival so that there is at least some form of screening at the border if the LGU thinks it has to be required, (This is why we are saying, if the traveler was unprepared, let's allow antigen testing upon arrival so that there is at least some form of screening at the border if the LGU thinks it should be required).’’ Cua said.
The ULAP chief said that the local government units (LGUs) had requested the IATF to allow antigen testing which is less costly and gives results more quickly for border control which was turned down.
Last week, the IATF announced that fully immunized individuals may present their vaccination cards or quarantine certificate instead of a negative swab result when travelling domestically.
But, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque later said that LGUs “retain the discretion in requiring RT-PCR testing or accepting duly issued COVID-19 vaccination cards for allowed interzonal travel.’’ (Chito A. Chavez)