Duterte to review Taiwan travel ban appeal

President Rodrigo Duterte will review Taiwan's appeal to lift its inclusion in the temporary travel ban imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (Covid-19).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo insisted the decision to include Taiwan in the travel ban was not politically motivated, but solely for the health and safety of Filipinos.

Panelo stated that the President needs time to consider lifting the ban, prioritizing the health of the countrymen.

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) scheduled to leave for Taiwan that their concerns about the travel restriction will be raised to the inter-agency task force.

POEA Administrator Bernard Olalia expressed concern over possible retaliatory measures from Taiwan against the Philippines due to the travel restriction.

International news agency CNA reported that Taiwan could retaliate with measures such as ending the visa-waiver program for Filipino tourists or cutting down on the number of Philippine migrant workers.

The travel ban may affect around 6,000 OFWs who are being deployed to Taiwan every month, and hundreds of passengers were reportedly stranded at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals when local carriers canceled their flights to Taiwan.