Bohol Island News Staff | Posted on Feb. 22, 2020 at 10:52 a.m.
President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to expand the temporary travel ban now covering the rest of China and its Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau.
Former Special Assistant to the President (SAP) and now Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go said in a statement today that this was his recommendation to him during their discussion on Saturday (Feb. 1) night.
This was also the same recommendation by agencies like the Department of Health (DOH) as affirmed by members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
“Taking into consideration the concerns raised by key government officials and health experts, the President made an informed decision and has agreed to adopt this recommendation and implement it immediately as additional precautionary measure to protect Filipinos and everyone in the Philippines,” Go said.
“I wish to emphasize that we are not singling out Chinese nationals. This order covers all travelers from China to the Philippines, regardless of nationality. We emphatize with China given what they are going through but we are doing this to protect the country and its people. The Philippine government is committed to help China and other affected countries address this worldwide health concern,” he added.
Go urged the public to “be informed and listen to our officials and health experts”.
“Do not panic. Magtulungan tayo. Unahin natin ang kapakanan, interes, at kalusugan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
Go said the Office of the President will soon release the details of this development.