MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Malacañang said on Wednesday that COVID-19 antigen testing can now be used as a requirement for passengers entering the Philippines.

According to a statement from acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar, the government’s pandemic policy-making body, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), has approved its use.

“The IATF on Wednesday night allowed the use of rapid antigen tests for entry requirements in the Philippines as long as they are administered and certified by a healthcare professional in a healthcare facility, laboratory, clinic, pharmacy, or other similar establishments from the country of origin of the traveler,” Andanar stated. 

Foreign travelers can enter the country under the existing IATF-EID Resolution 165 if they have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and have sufficient proof of immunization.

Before entering the country, foreigners must also produce a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test performed within 48 hours or a negative laboratory-based antigen test performed within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Andanar announced that the Philippines is now accepting and recognizing national Covid-19 vaccination certificates from Bangladesh, Mexico, Panama, and the Slovak Republic for entry quarantine protocols and interzonal/intrazonal mobility.

“This is in addition to other countries/territories/jurisdictions whose proofs of vaccination the IATF has already approved for recognition in the Philippines, and without prejudice to such other proofs of vaccination approved by the IATF for all inbound travelers,” he said.

The country recognizes vaccination certificates from 73 countries, territories, and jurisdictions as valid proof of vaccination. 

Foreigners who do not completely comply with the IATF-EID rules and requirements will be refused entry into the country and will face appropriate exclusion proceedings. – WhatALife! / Francis

Source: (pna.gov.ph)

Also read: Updated COVID-19 Travel Requirements to the Philippines in 2022