IT IS about time travel restrictions were relaxed or eased a bit in the light of the pandemic.
As usual, the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases or IATF is at the forefront of issuing guidelines for the whole country to follow and has all the eyes and ears of President Duterte and other top government officials.
Among the rules eased by the IATF is that travelers will no longer be mandated to undergo Covid-19 testing except when required by the local government unit (LGU) of their destination; will no longer be required to undergo quarantine unless he or she manifests symptoms of the disease upon arrival to the destination and the documentary requirements previously required such as the travel authority and health certificates.
But authorized persons outside residence (Apor) need to present identification cards, travel orders and travel itineraries. Screening for symptoms at ports of entry and exit is also being done on them.
Total rejoicing by travelers is yet uncalled for as there are remaining requirements that need to be submitted and observed like minimum health protocols and clinical assessments at ports of entry and exit.
So far, we have been a stickler to regulations and we’ve followed every single instruction dished out by the IATF.
But the vaccination volunteering is another issue since we are allowed to choose which brand of vaccine we are willing to be vaccinated with. That is an essence of democracy, of free choice and nobody can force us to undergo a procedure we do not accept.
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Member-LGUs of the League of Provinces of the Philippines are opposing the decision to remove the travel restrictions and requirements, except the negative results of the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to effectively protect their respective communities from the spread of the coronavirus disease.
As reported, the Departments of Tourism and Trade and Industry were amenable to the easing of travel restrictions, as this will allow travelers more freedom to cross-regional borders and spend money in the process, thus, enhancing economic recovery.
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Progress requires innovative and bold moves to bring about changes. In the news lately, there seem to be protests against SM’s corporate takeover of Baguio City’s public market rehabilitation. This move has been negotiated and talks were done regarding the terms. The retail giant is always adherent to existing rules and regulations and it observes them faithfully. So, why the fuss over its corporate takeover when it is for the better of Baguio’s public?