The Department of Health (DOH) said it is not recommending antigen testing during the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) as what the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is planning to do.
"We don't recommend the rapid antigen test kits to be used as screening for people, who will vote or for those joining in events," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online press briefing Monday, Sept. 20.
"As we said, the use of antigen test must be appropriate to avoid question to the results if ever we use it," she added.
In Resolution No. 10717, the Comelec En Banc said all COC filers must present negative RT-PCR test or antigen test results as part of the health and safety measures of the poll body.
Vergeire said they will discuss the matter with Comelec.
"We will be discussing this with them so that appropriate testing will be done in such events," she said.
"The Comelec has been coordinating with us regarding their health protocols," added Vergeire.
The DOH earlier said that the antigen are best used for those with symptoms, suspected and probable COVID-19 cases, those exposed, and in outbreak areas.
The filing of COC for the May 2022 polls is from Oct. 1 to 8.