Palace respects Malaysia’s travel ban on Pinoys: ‘That’s a sovereign decision’

By Prince Golez

Malacañang on Thursday said it respect the decision of Malaysia to ban Filipino nationals from entering their country due to the high rate of increase in coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the Philippines.

Aside from Philippine citizens, the Malaysian government has also decided to prohibit the entry of foreigners from India and Indonesia because of the steady rise of Covid-19 infections.

According to the latest data, India now has the third highest number of confirmed cases globally at 3,853,406. The Philippines ranked 22nd in the world, with 226,440 cases, followed by Indonesia with 174,796 cases.

“That’s a sovereign decision who will be allowed to enter one’s territory,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in his virtual presser.

“I am not saying we are happy. I am saying we regret the decision but we respect the sovereign decision of Malaysia,” added Roque.

On September 1, Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that the restrictions will also affect those with long-term passes, students, expatriates, permanent residents as well as family members of Malaysians.

The post Palace respects Malaysia’s travel ban on Pinoys: ‘That’s a sovereign decision’ first appeared on Latest Philippine politics news today.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)