PNP disagrees with Tagaytay: travel passes still needed
PNP Lt. Gen. Eleazar says travel passes still mandatory
by Jose AltoverosPlanning to go to Tagaytay for a quick trip this quarantine? Despite previous reports, you'll need to secure a travel pass according to the Philippine National Police.
Even though Tagaytay City has opened its doors to tourists last week, it seems travelers from Metro Manila, (and those outside of Cavite) who wish to visit the popular tourist destination will still need to secure a travel pass. This is according to Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar who heads the Joint Task Force COVID shield. Specifically, he said that the waiver on the use of travel pass is only for those residing within the province of Cavite.
“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 clarified in the Laging Handa public briefing.
[While it is true that the LGU of Tagaytay declared that travel passes are no longer needed, it only applies for those coming from Cavite.]
The clarification from the PNP contradicts the previous announcements by the local government of Tagaytay which waived the requirement for travel passes going up to the ridge. The tourist-dependent city said that businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and the like are now allowed to reopen with some new guidelines (social distancing, limited capacity, etc.).
Understandably, travelers flocked to the destination over the weekend. This resulted in heavy traffic in the area due to the increase in vehicles heading up to the ridge. The traffic jams even caught the attention of the public, with several people posting photos of gridlock on social media.
Apart from the need of travel pass, Eleazar reiterated that only workers and authorized persons outside residence (APOR) may travel outside of Metro Manila.
So if you happen to be living in Metro Manila, tough luck as you’ll have to wait until community quarantine is lifted. As for our readers residing in Cavite, you can now head up for your buko pies and even have a cup of coffee with a nice view.
If you do plan on going, just remember to stay safe as the pandemic is still ongoing.