Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 17) – Senator Francis Pangilinan on Thursday called on the government to shoulder the swab tests for all inbound passengers, especially returning Filipinos.
In a statement, Pangilinan said people are already financially struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He also accused private companies and their “corrupt backers in government” of profiting from the swab test requirement.
“Bakit hinahayaan ng gobyerno na pinagkakakitaan ang proteksyon sa ating kalusugan?” Pangilinan said.
[Translation: Why does the government allow these companies to profit from protecting our health?]
“Mas mainam na sagutin na ng pamahalaan ang swab test ng lahat ng inbound passengers, lalo na ng ating OFWs (overseas Filipino workers), para mabawasan ang kanilang pinansiyal na pasanin,” he added.
[Translation: The government should just shoulder the swab tests for all inbound passengers, especially our OFWs, to lessen their financial burden.]
The senator also said the national government should follow Cebu province, which provides free swab tests to Filipinos returning from abroad upon their arrival at the airport. Once they test negative, they can go to their respective homes to undergo quarantine and will be swabbed again on the seventh day in their residence.
This is contrary to the Inter-Agency Task Force’s protocol that tests should be done seven days after their arrival.
On Monday, President Rodrigo Duterte directed Cebu province to follow the IATF’s protocols. However, Governor Gwen Garcia stood firm that Cebu would stick to its own protocols unless a proper court declares it as “ultra vires,” or beyond its powers.
