10/01/2021
ONE-STOP SHOP (OSS) PRESS STATEMENT
27 October 2020
This is to clarify the allegations circulating in social media sites that Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are being made to utilize the services of private RT-PCR test providers at the NAIA, and are thus made to pay more.
This is not true.
The RT-PCR test of OFWs are being shouldered by government. OFWs need not spend any amount for the COVID-19 test since the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) covers this expense. The result of the test normally takes about two (2) to three (3) days.
For non-OFWs, there are two (2) private laboratories that cater to the RT-PCR test. The first is the Philippine Airline (PAL) and its partner Laboratory, Detoxicare for Terminal 2. The other is with Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions, Inc. (PAGSS) with partner Laboratory Ph Airport Diagnostic Lab for Terminal 1 and 3.
Both private laboratories started operations on 27 July, and are covered by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Task Group on Management of Returning Overseas Filipinos (TG MROF). Both charge the fee of PHP 4000, as approved by the TG MROF, and issue results within 48 hrs. All transactions with the private laboratories are covered by official receipts and are properly accounted, recorded, and reported with the One-Stop Shop (OSS).
There are, however, extreme cases (i.e. death in the family or emergency medical condition. etc) when OFWs request for swab test with PAL or PAGSS for faster results and clearance. In such cases, the OFWs have to seek clearance first from OWWA. When cleared, the request is communicated with the OSS.
For our Kababayan OFWs, should you be coerced or forcibly asked to use the services of the private laboratories, we ask that you kindly report the incident to the OSS so that appropriate action may be taken.
We hope that this clarifies the matter.
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OSS Hotline Numbers:
Mobile: 09178768573 / 09178022224 / 09065921157
Telephone: (+63 2) 8877-1109 loc. 3079 / 8823-0669