Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield Commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar emphasized that non-Cavite residents are still not allowed to go to Tagaytay without travel authority. This announcement was made following reports of tourists flocking the area despite the threat of COVID-19 pandemic.
“While it is true na ‘yung Tagaytay, dineclare ng LGU nila na hindi na kailangan ‘yung travel pass pagpasok du’n, ‘yun po ‘yung manggagaling ng Cavite,” Eleazar explained.
[While it is true that the local government of Tagaytay declared that travel passes are no longer needed in the area, such only applies to those coming from Cavite.]
“Dapat po may reason ka ng pagpunta. [….] Dapat kumuha ka pa rin ng travel authority,” he added.
[You should have a reason for your travel. [….] You must secure a travel authority.]
According to him, only workers and authorized persons outside residence (APOR) are allowed to travel outside Metro Manila.
The JTF COVID-19 Shield Commander also said the Inter-Agency Task Force, through the Department of Tourism, will be releasing guidelines on “staycations” in areas under general community quarantine.
The IATF recently allowed “staycations” in areas under less stricter quarantine measures or GCQ on September 11.
Meanwhile, Malacañang urged the public to give the proposed policy on allowing “staycations” in Metro Manila and other general community quarantine areas in the country. Roque also alleviated some concerns that the policy may encourage the public to make unnecessary trips during the pandemic.
“Let’s give it a chance,” he said. “Pwede naman pong pag-ingatan ang buhay para po makapaghanap-buhay ang lahat [We can protect lives while allowing jobs to return].”