MANILA – The proposed executive order that will impose a price cap for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) swab tests is up for President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature, Malacañang said.
According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, the EO was already reviewed by the Office of the Executive Secretary and by the technical working group of the Department of Health (DOH).
“I cannot preempt the decision of the President. But what I can assure you is, natapos na po iyong responsibilidad ng TWG ng DOH, tapos na rin po ang paperwork sa Office of the Executive Secretary,” Roque said in a virtual press conference.
“Ngayon po ay nag-aantay na lang ng pirma ng ating Presidente,” he added. “From all indications, mukha naman pong magkakaroon ng price cap.”
According to Roque, some private laboratories charge expensive fees for COVID-19 tests when it would only cost around P1,500 to P2,000 if done by private-led Project Ark.
“Sa ganoong paraan ay mas marami pong mati-testing dahil importante po iyan sa ating istratehiya dahil kung walang testing, hindi natin alam kung sino ang i-a-isolate at kung sino ang gagamutin,” Roque said./PN
