Rama considers request to ease travelers protocol

CEBU, Philippines —  Acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said he is considering the request of many not to require a negative RT-PCR test result or antigen test for inbound travelers.

Rama said he will bring up the matter in a convergence with the other stakeholders to help him decide on the request. He, however, said that requiring travellers coming to Cebu City to present a negative RT-PCR test result has been very effective in keeping the number of COVID-19 cases low.

The acting mayor admitted receiving several proposals regarding travel protocols but said he will not on the matter without consulting. The Cebu City Emergency Operations Center is also expected to come up with its own recommendations on the matter soon.

EOC deputy implementer, Councilor Joel Garganera, earlier disclosed the possibility of giving incentives to vaccinated individuals coming to Cebu City. One of the proposed incentives is not to require negative RT-PCR test result or antigen test. 

Other local government units in Cebu have already ease travel protocols for full vaccinated travelers. But  Garganera stressed the need to balance health and economy. — Sanden J. Anadia, FPL (FREEMAN)