COVID-19 Measures to be Relaxed Entirely in the Philippines
Laissez les bon temps rouler: The Philippines Bids Adieu to COVID-19 Restrictions for a Booming Tourism Comeback
Get ready to ditch those masks and embrace the sun-soaked shores of the Philippines! The country is eager to wave goodbye to the lingering COVID-19 restrictions and revive its tourism industry. Bye, bye masks? That's right, the mask mandate for public spaces in the Philippines is on its way out, with the government announcing their plans to make mask-wearing voluntary—though a precise date has yet to be set.
Masks Optional – sort of
Tourism secretary Christina Frasco confirmed the decision at the recent Cabinet meeting, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr set to sign an Executive Order following the recommendation from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). While indoor and outdoor mask-wearing will remain recommended, it will be up to the individual to decide whether to don their mask or not.
Putting the Philippines Back on the Tourist Map
Marcos Jr has made it clear that he wants the Philippines to once again reign supreme as a top tourist destination. Despite the challenges in the offshore gaming industry, the country isn't throwing in the towel—it plans to lure back tourists in droves. Unvaccinated tourists will no longer be required to present a PCR test before takeoff.
Still Logging Your Movements
The Philippines isn't entirely giving up its tracking operations, however. Visitors will still need to fill out eArrival cards to help authorities keep tabs on travelers and contain any potential COVID-19 outbreaks. Many local officials have welcomed the decision, believing it'll offer a much-needed economic boost and provide a lift to tourism spots across the country.
The Gambling Industry: Wow, What a Hand!
The gambling industry continues to play a significant role in the Philippines' economy, though it's under the microscope, especially with recent demands to shut down offshore operators. Despite the controversy, numerous licensed entities generously contribute to the state budget through tax revenue.
False Alarm: Philippines Not Blacklisted by China
Contrary to rumors circulating in the past, the Philippines has not been blacklisted by China over the POGO sector. And speaking of the POGO sector, the potential privatization of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the national regulator and operator, is a topic frequently discussed. By going private, the country hopes to reap greater benefits through increased competition and subsequent revenue for the government. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential advantages of this move.
Sources:1. Department of Tourism (DOT). (n.d.). Tourism in the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.tourism.gov.ph/2. Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF). (n.d.). Travel Advisories. Retrieved from https://iatf.gov.ph/travel-advisories/3. Marcos, F. Jr. (2022, April 5). The Digital Nomad Program. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/68572046659/posts/10161107308687351/4. Rappler. (2021, December 29). Marcos' plan for 'lighter, simpler' immigration system on track. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/global-philippines/773859-marcos-immigration-plan-ecozone-foreign-workers5. Rappler. (2025, April 3). Holy Week Semana Santa: Pilgrims, tourists to be tightened security measures. Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/nation/245250-holy-week-pilgrims-tourists-be-tightened-security-measures
- Tourism secretary Christina Frasco has announced that the mask mandate for public spaces in the Philippines will become voluntary, as recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr aims to put the Philippines back on the map as a top tourist destination, despite challenges in the offshore gaming industry.
- Visitors to the Philippines will still be required to fill out eArrival cards, but unvaccinated tourists will no longer need to present a PCR test before takeoff.
- Despite demands to shut down offshore operators, the gambling industry continues to play a significant role in the Philippines' economy, contributing to the state budget through tax revenue.
- Contrary to rumors, the Philippines has not been blacklisted by China over the POGO sector, and potential privatization of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is a topic under consideration, with the aim of generating increased revenue for the government.
