Malacañang announced on Friday morning that some foreign nationals will be allowed to enter the Philippines starting November 1.
Based on the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) Resolution No. 80 signed on October 22, the expansion of allowed foreign nationals only applies to those “with visas issued by the Bureau of Immigration pursuant to EO No. 226 or the Omnibus Investments Code, as amended, and Republic Act No. 8756.”
Also given permission to enter the country are foreign nationals with 47(A)(2) visas issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ), and those with visas issued by the Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.
“Hindi po lahat ng foreign nationals ay ina-allow…Wala pa pong turistang dayuhan ang pwedeng makapasok. ‘Yung mga investors lang po (Not all foreigners are allowed… No foreign tourists are allowed to enter the country for now. Only investors can enter the country),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque clarified.
Valid and existing visas on date of entry and pre-booked accredited quarantine facilities are required for the selected foreigners who can enter the country. They are also subject to the “maximum capacity of inbound passengers at the port and date of entry” and must comply with immigration rules.
Meanwhile, the IATF-EID has lifted the pre-boarding COVID-19 test requirement for outbound Filipino travelers.
Motorcycle taxis, religious gatherings rules eased
“Religious gatherings in areas under General Community Quarantine shall be allowed up to thirty percent (30%) of the seating or venue capacity. Provided that, religious gatherings shall be limited to the conduct of religious worship and/or service,” the new resolution read.
Roque announced that motorcycle taxi pilot study can now resume following the issuance of a Lower House Committee on Transportation report.
“Mabuting balita po iyan kasi pwede na tayong mag-Angkas o mag-JoyRide (That is good news because we can now ride with Angkas or JoyRide),” Roque added. Guidelines are yet to be released by concerned agencies, including the Department of Transportation (DOTr). – PTV News Online
