Duterte defers to DOH on travel ban lifting

President Duterte will defer to health authorities, specifically the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, for the decision on when to lift temporary travel restrictions to mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, and North Gyeongsang province in South Korea.

He has no plans to extend the travel ban to other parts of South Korea.

As a lawyer, Duterte believes it is prudent to consult with health experts before making decisions on travel restrictions.

He would not impose a travel ban on individuals who are healthy and have been cleared after undergoing the prescribed 14-day quarantine period.

He stated that only individuals identified as risks should be prohibited from entering the Philippines.

The Philippine government has already implemented a travel ban on North Gyeongsang province and temporarily banned Filipino tourists from traveling to South Korea.