FILE PHOTO: A health worker conducts a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) swab testing at a gymnasium in Navotas City, Metro Manila, Philippines, August 7, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
MANILA, Philippines — An order placing a price cap on coronavirus disease (COVID-19) tests is now on the table of President Rodrigo Duterte for his signature, Palace spokesman Harry Roque said Thursday.
According to Roque, the Department of Health’s (DOH) technical working group (TWG) has already submitted to Duterte’s office a draft of the proposed order.
The Palace official, however, refused to divulge the recommended price of coronavirus testing.
“Dahil nga ito ay desisyon ng Presidente, I cannot preempt the decision of the President. What I can assure is natapos na po ang responsibilidad ng TWG ng DOH, tapos na din po ang paper works sa Office of the Executive Secretary at ngayon po ay nag-aantay nalang ng pirma ng ating Presidente,” Roque said in a televised press briefing.
He added that the order is meant to ensure the affordability of the testing services.
The DOH had asked for the issuance of the order amid varying costs in laboratories.
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