Lacson wants vaccine passport for faster entry

Senator Panfilo Lacson proposed the implementation of a vaccine passport system to ease travel restrictions for vaccinated individuals entering the Philippines.

This initiative aims to encourage the return of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and attract foreign investors by simplifying current stringent travel protocols.

Lacson highlighted that many OFWs and potential investors are hesitant to travel to the Philippines due to lengthy quarantine periods and restrictions on facility choice.

He suggested that returning OFWs should undergo a swab test and then be allowed to complete their 10-day quarantine at home.

The Senator argued that the current quarantine duration significantly impacts the limited leave periods of OFWs, especially those returning for emergencies.

Furthermore, Lacson emphasized that the existing protocols could deter foreign investment and harm the tourism sector.

He urged the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to refine these protocols to align with international standards and address the concerns of returning travelers and investors.