To protect the Philippines from virus resurgence, the Department of Transportation is mulling over implementing stricter travel requirements against visitors from China amid a spike in Covid-19 cases in the Asian powerhouse.

In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases will work on the proposed new rules as China decided to reopen its borders despite the virus surge.

"I think we should be stricter. The IATF will work on this. I think we should be very cautious because they have many Covid-19 cases. Chinese entering our borders should be careful as well," Bautista said.
He, however, clarified that the Philippines will not ban Chinese visitors from coming into the country but it will be stricter in accepting them.

"We will look at what other countries are doing. Other ASEAN countries are also cautious in accepting Chinese visitors. Maybe, we will require tests like in Hong Kong, they reopened but tests are still required. We can also do that," the Transportation chief said.

Last week, flag-carrier Philippine Airlines, Bautista's previous company, announced the resumption of flights between Manila and Xiamen, China starting 13 January.

Starting with one flight per week, operating every Friday, the PAL route to Xiamen will build up frequencies over time, in line with the easing of restrictions and applicable government authorizations. The flag carrier will deploy Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the Xiamen route.

Despite fears of virus spread, Bautista said the flight resumption is "okay" as long as the airline strictly follows protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

By 8 January, China will reopen its borders to international travelers — a major turnaround from its strict "zero-Covid" policy.

Inbound passengers will only be required to present a negative test result obtained within the last 48 hours. As long as their health declarations are normal, they will not be subject to restrictions in the country.