In what seems to be the final pronouncement on the matter, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) clarified that, while local government units may accept vaccination cards as a requirement for accepting travelers, the LGUs still retained the right to require RT-PCR tests.
Previously, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque had said that the latest IATF resolution that allowed the use of vaccination cards instead of the swab test was “binding on all unless you declare yourself to be an independent republic.”
And before that, the Department of Health released a statement reaffirming the LGUs’ right to require RT-PCR tests, recognizing their concerns about relaxing the protocols.
In a press release, the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) clarified, “Local government units may accept a COVID-19 vaccination card duly issued by a legitimate vaccinating establishment / authority, whether local or foreign; or certificate of quarantine completion showing the holder’s vaccination status as may be issued by the Bureau of Quarantine, whichever is applicable, as an alternative to RT-PCR testing requirement which the local government may require. This means that LGUs retain the discretion in requiring RT-PCR testing or accepting duly issued COVID-19 vaccination cards for allowed interzonal travel.”
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