Negros Occ. to continue requiring travelers from Panay to present negative RT-PCR test result

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is in favor of resuming trips of passenger vessels from Panay as long as they have negative RT-PCR test results.

Frank Carbon, executive director of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) said earlier he was hoping that with the downgrading of Iloilo City into the General Community Quarantine with Heightened Restrictions (GCQ-HR) just like the status of Bacolod City, trips between the two cities can now resume.

Carbon is also pushing for the removal of the RT-PCR test requirement in order for the trips to resume.

Instead, Carbon is proposing that the vaccination card should only be the requirement when entering or exiting the two cities.

The Bacolod City government said it is also reconsidering opening ferry services between Bacolod and Iloilo City following months of suspension due to COVID-19.

However, Gov. Lacson remains adamant to open its borders.

Those whose destination is outside Bacolod City will still be required to show negative RT- PCR test result, he said.*