"IF WE will be allowed, we would like to insist on the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for travelers entering the city."
This was stressed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia Monday, March 1, after the National Government approved a uniform travel protocol for all local government units (LGU), with Covid-19 testing and quarantine for travelers no longer mandatory, unless the LGU will make it a requirement.
Leonardia said that during their meeting with the members of the League of Cities and Provinces in the country, they were insisting that the LGU should be given a leeway.
"I believe that this is the reason why in spite of the uniform health protocols in the country, we (LGUs) still have authority or discretion," he said.
The mayor noted that this is one of the steps to address the Covid-19 cases in the city.
Leonardia also urged the public to always follow the health protocols because in pandemic there is no room for complacency.
Councilor Renecito Novero, chairman of the city's quarantine center action team, earlier said that the city will continue its health protocol by requiring travelers entering the city to present their negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test results.
"So far, in Bacolod City our protocol can still be observed which is requiring travelers entering the city to present negative RT-PCR test results and they will not be required for a quarantine if they have a negative result," Novero said.
He said if the IATF allows the local government units to establish certain restrictions or additional policy for the people's safety, then that will not prevent Bacolod from imposing any conditions to require them negative RT-PCR results.
He added if the travelers do not have negative RT-PCR results, the city will require them to undergo testing upon their arrival and undergo quarantine while waiting for results.