Prelate appeals to govt to prioritize issuance of RT PCR tests of OFWs


A Catholic prelate has appealed to the government to prioritize the issuance of RT PCR tests of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Bishop Ruperto Santos (CBCP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 11, Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said the slow and delayed release of the RT PCR COVID-19 test results is "added burden to our OFWs."

"It gives them much anxiety and worried them," he said.

The vice chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People

said the slow release will also shorten the OFWs much needed vacation with their family and rest.

"Also it affects our economy as their works temporarily stopped or they may lose their previous jobs," said Santos.

"Let the government officials prioritize the issuance of RT PCR tests of our OFWs," he added.