The Department of Health (DOH) said on Monday (Sept. 21) that it is not recommending rapid antigen testing as part of the health screening of those filing their certificates of candidacy (COC) and participating in other electoral activities.
The DOH said in a media forum that it will be coordinating with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding the appropriate measures and testing protocols for such events.
“We do not recommend the rapid antigen test kits to be used as a screening test for people who will vote or for people who’s going to join events,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said.
“Kaya nga sabi natin last week, kailangan appropriate ‘yung use para wala tayong question as to the results that will come out if ever we use it,” she added.
The Comelec had said that it will be requiring national candidates to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test result before they will be allowed to file their COCs in October at the Comelec main building.
In the event that a candidate will not be able to present a negative RT-PCR test result, the Comelec said it will be providing free rapid antigen testing.
In a resolution released on Aug. 20, the poll body said it will only accept COCs from candidates in the presidential, vice presidential, and senatorial positions who will be able to present a negative RT-PCR test result taken within the last 24 hours prior to the filing of their COC.
Authorized representatives of the aspirants, representatives of the groups for the party-list system, their companions, Comelec personnel in charge of receiving COCs, security personnel, and members of the media are required to present negative COVID-19 test results.
The filing of COCs for the 2022 national and local elections is from Oct. 1 to 8. – Report from Mark Fetalco / CF – jlo
