The Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) and the private sector in Pasay City are required to secure first a permit from the City Health Office before conducting COVID-19 tests for their employees.
Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano said this is in compliance with Republic Act 11332, also known the “Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases,” and two administrative orders from the Department of Health, namely Administrative Order No. 2020-0014 and Administrative Order No. 2020-0180.
Under RA 11332, the local government unit is instructed to conduct mandatory COVID-19 tests within their jurisdiction and to “partner with the private sector and other stakeholders to deliver these measures and programs quickly and efficiently.”
The two DoH administrative orders, meanwhile, are sets of guidelines on how to conduct COVID-19 tests in DoH accredited facilities.
The mayor said that “employers may test workers for COVID-19. Testing kits used and procured shall be the responsibility of the employers.”
The city said that this is prescribed under Sec. 7 of the Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19 issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) on April 30, 2020.
Citing the Executive Order, Calixto-Rubiano said that those who wish to have their employees tested should first submit a letter-application to the City Health Office.
The letter-request must provide the number of employees to be tested; the FDA-approved antibody-based tests kits it would utilize in the testing process; the names of the licensed medical practitioners who would administer the testing; and the licensed COVID-19 testing laboratory of which the covered entities have partnered and affiliated with.
The City Health Office, in turn, will appraise the application and will submit its recommendation to the Office of the City Mayor.
The City Mayor will then issue the letter authorizing the conduct of COVID-19 testing.
The mayor said those who violate the executive order can be fined with up to P50,000 and a jail term of up to six months.
Health practitioners also face a suspension or revocation of their license. If the offense is committed by a public or private health facility, its business permit and license to operate will be cancelled. (Dhel Nazario)
