Gov’t Simplifies S-Pass Use For Ease of Local Travel

The use of the travel management system Safe, Swift and Smart Passage (S-Pass) has been simplified to lessen the burden of the application of requirements for local travel.

This comes as the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) along with other concerned government agencies signed and put into effect Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 1, series of 2022, also known as “Streamlining of Requirements and Processes for Local Travel” on Wednesday.

The JMC directs all local government units (LGUs) to utilize the S-Pass for the application and approval of all travelers entering their respective jurisdictions.

The new policy focuses on the ease of travel as different online applications of LGUs will be rendered obsolete. LGUs are also directed to integrate their contact tracing apps with the S-Pass system.

Furthermore, LGUs are also required to monitor and to process all applications through S-Pass.

Applications that will be failed to be acted upon by LGUs will automatically be approved given that the applicant has secured and processed all necessary requirements that are indicated in the S-Pass.

Requirements indicated in the S-Pass include government issued identification cards (IDs), vaccination cards or certificates, and the confirmation of accommodation at the traveler’s destination point.

However, LGUs may require negative COVID-19 test results depending on the COVID-19 situation. (GFB)