GMA defends travel advisory vs HK, China

President Arroyo, citing national interest, defended the government’s travel advisory yesterday warning Filipinos not to travel to either Hong Kong or southern China unless necessary so they will not risk contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

"The travel advisory is a defensive move in the national interest, and does not in any way put to doubt the valiant efforts of China to contain the disease," Mrs. Arroyo said in a statement, as she reiterated her intent for the Philippines to remain "SARS-free."

She added that she expects "full cooperation" from both overseas Filipino workers and business travelers who frequent Hong Kong and Guangdong, China to comply with the travel advisory.

"This is a time to awaken our sense of responsibility for our fellow human beings," the Chief Executive said, referring to the mystery disease that has killed more than 108 people and infected about 2,500 worldwide.

In a radio interview, the President said the public needs to know the real score about the dreaded SARS virus, and promised that the government will make a public disclosure on any development every step of the way.

"Knowledge and strategy are important. Keep yourselves informed of the latest developments. Do not believe in rumors and contact our SARS hotlines if you need help," she said.

Mrs. Arroyo added that she is asking "the people for their continued cooperation, support and sobriety. Together in mind and heart, we will beat this menace."

But she rejected news reports that she wanted to ban outright citizens from traveling to Hong Kong, which has reported 970 cases and 27 deaths.

"It’s still a travel advisory and not yet a ban. This is a defensive mode advisory," the President said.

She added that she is still waiting for the report of Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople, since the issue is still being "discussed and analyzed" by concerned government agencies.

"I’m still waiting for Ople’s recommendation because we want to analyze it first whether it would be in the best interest of the country to issue a ban," the President said.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said in a television interview that if Filipinos really had to go to Hong Kong, "then they are free to go."

Mrs. Arroyo said earlier that the government is prepared to take "extraordinary measures" to prevent the epidemic from reaching Philippine shores, which may include a ban on the travel of Filipinos going to Hong Kong or China.

The Philippines has remained "SARS-free" so far, although seven people are being quarantined to see if they have the disease. Hong Kong is a key labor market for Filipina domestic workers, who also make up a big component of air travelers to the former British territory.

The World Health Organization last week warned against traveling to Hong Kong and Guangdong due to the SARS outbreaks in these areas.

"We will deal with all facets of this threat, all possible ways it can get to our country. And we will not hesitate to take extraordinary measures to protect our people," she said.

Health Secretary Manuel Dayrit flew directly to Cebu from Laoag City, Ilocos Norte to inspect immigration entry processes at the Cebu International Airport.

Dayrit, in a press briefing yesterday, said he found quarantine and inspection procedures against the entry of SARS at the Laoag International Airport "quite satisfactory."

He will also be making inspection visits to airports in Zamboanga and Davao to check their surveillance and quarantine procedures.

Dayrit also expressed satisfaction with the isolation rooms set up for SARS patients at the Don Mariano Marcos Hospital and Medical Center.

Earlier, Ilocos Norte provincial officials, led by Gov. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and Laoag City Mayor Roger Fariñas said they will continue to control the number of chartered flights into the city from SARS-affected countries such as China and Hong Kong, although Dayrit said this was unnecessary. – With Rainier Ronda, AFP