Duterte’s imposition of travel ban in US depends on DOH, DFA recommendation – Palace

December 30, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to include the United States in the travel ban following reported detection of new coronavirus disease variant would depend on the recommendation of the Department of Health and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Malacanang said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the government is closely monitoring the situation in the US after the new COVID-19 strain was reported in Colorado.

"Concerned local officials are now studying this matter," he said in a statement.

"As to whether the President may impose restrictions to travelers coming from the United States in light of this new development, the guidance of the Chief Executive is clear: This shall be upon the joint recommendation of the Department of Health, which sits as chair of Inter-Agency Task Force, and the Department of Foreign Affairs," Roque added.

The Philippines has imposed travel ban of foreigners coming from or transiting through 20 countries and territories, including Japan, with reported new strain of COVID-19.

The ban became effective December 30 and will be enforced until January 15, 2021. Celerina Monte/DMS