Article by:
Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
MANILA – Unvaccinated individuals are barred from entering all Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) consular offices in malls under Alert Level 3 or higher.
In an advisory on Wednesday, the DFA, through the Office of Consular Affairs (OCA), said the restriction applies to all consular offices and temporary off-site passport services (TOPS) located in malls.
The restriction applies to unvaccinated individuals, including minors, due to the restriction imposed by the host malls which bars their entry.
“Consular Offices are unable to override the host malls’ security and health protocols,” the DFA said.
It advised affected applicants to check the regulations of the malls before proceeding to their appointments or have these rescheduled after having been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, or after restrictions for the unvaccinated have been lifted.
“The Department requests the public’s cooperation as it strives to deliver passport services to the public while ensuring the public’s safety and health amidst the ongoing pandemic,” the DFA said.
On Monday, the Metro Manila Council —composed of the 17 mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)—issued a resolution urging local government units in NCR to enact ordinances barring the unvaccinated from going outside their homes with some exceptions.
These exceptions include going outside to procure essential goods and services, going to work, and for individual outdoor exercise. (PNA)
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