By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

As the Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now deliberating on the resumption of ferry trips between Bacolod City and Iloilo City without the need for an RT-PCR test, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is not yet keen on easing travel protocols by removing the requirement for residents of the province and travelers.

According to Lacson, he is in favor of resuming ferry trips between the province and Panay Island, however, he would still require non-Bacolod City bound travelers to present a negative RT-PCR test result.

The governor is also adamant about his decision retaining the RT-PCR requirement.

Earlier on Wednesday, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia revealed that the EOC is currently considering resuming ferry trips with Iloilo City following months of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and after the latter was downgraded to the general community quarantine with heightened restrictions status.

Among the issues being considered is removing the negative RT-PCR test requirement which was proposed by Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer and Weesam Express operator Frank Carbon.

Instead, Carbon is proposing to use vaccination cards as the only requirement when traveling between the two cities./DGB, WDJ