Malacañang said that it is just a matter of time before President Duterte signs the executive order putting a price ceiling on the cost of real time-polymerase chain reaction tests used to detect COVID-19.
In a radio interview, presidential spokesman Harry Roque said that they are just waiting for the decision of the President on the matter.
“Well, inaantay na lang po natin ang desisyon ng Presidente, tapos na po lahat ng staff work (We’re just waiting for the President to make a decision. All the staff work has been completed already),” he said. “It’s a matter of time. I think anytime the President will sign his executive order,” he added.
In a text message, Roque said that he will follow up on the status of the EO.
However, he said that while the public awaits the signing of the EO, he reminded those in need to be tested that there are affordable testing services in the country that cost as low as P1,500 to P2,000. “Tangkilikin po natin itong mga lugar na ito,” he said.
Among those facilities in Metro Manila offering affordable COVID-19 tests are the following:
- Philippine Children’s Medical Center in Quezon City
- National Kidney and Transplant Institute in Quezon City
- Lung Center of the Philippines in Quezon City
- Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City
Early this month, Malacañang reminded facilities that offer RT-PCR swab testing not to jack up the rates of the test, especially if they got their machines and kits for free.
The Department of Health submitted to the Office of the President last month a recommendation for the issuance of an EO that imposes a ceiling on the prices of RT-PCR tests.
In a press briefing in September, Roque said that it was not impossible for Duterte to issue an order putting a price ceiling on RT-PCR tests. (Argyll Geducos)