Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. made the disclosure on Thursday, saying that an executive order capping the price of the RT-PCR test was awaiting President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature. Based on information available online, the cost of RT-PCR tests at testing labs around Metro Manila currently ranges from about P1,800 to as high as P6,000. Delays in payments from PhilHealth to testing labs were highlighted by the dispute that erupted when the Philippine Red Cross, whose testing costs are lower than other labs, halted testing under PhilHealth coverage due to nearly P1 billion in unpaid bills. Although the move to cap testing prices is most welcome, it is unfortunate that the government has waited until now — seven months into the pandemic — to take that action. A negative RT-PCR test has become a requirement for travels between different parts of the country, visits to tourism facilities, hotel stays and other economic activities.

Source: Manila Times October 30, 2020 16:52 UTC