"Enough already."
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. seems to have had enough of the desperation and unhappiness caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as the government changes policy to suit the changing circumstances caused by the crisis.
Locsin made the statement after a Filipino overseas asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) if the Philippines could soon recognize vaccine certificates issued in European Union (EU) countries such as Ireland.
In response to the tweet on Friday evening, January 28, Locsin said the Philippines will do so once Ireland recognizes the VaxCertPH.
"Mutual recognition. Tit for tat," he said.
Mutual recognition. Tit for tat. https://t.co/wBzcL8nKpG
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) January 28, 2022
After being informed that Ireland will soon accept proof of vaccinations such as that of the Philippines starting February 1, 2022, Locsin said he will make sure that the country will do the same.
"I'll make sure of it," he added.
I'll make sure of it. @DFAPHL https://t.co/JZdFTYdcyF
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) January 28, 2022
After the netizen thanked him, Locsin said it was not just him who are crafting COVID-19 policies, adding that it was already time to end the unhappiness the pandemic is causing humanity.
"It’s not just me. We are all trying to change the policy with changing circumstances and rising desperation and unhappiness. Enough already," he said.
It’s not just me. We are all trying to change the policy with changing circumstances and rising desperation and unhappiness. Enough already. https://t.co/Smv4oBgwvJ
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) January 29, 2022
The Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases announced on Friday that starting February 1, the color-list risk classification for countries will be suspended and that inbound passengers will have to follow a uniform set of protocols.
Aside from this, the IATF approved the entry of fully vaccinated foreigners to the country for business and tourism purposes starting February 10, subject to conditions.
However, starting February 16, foreigners who want to enter the country must be fully vaccinated.