Manila, Philippines – The Philippines Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo says Taiwan is included in the ban because the World Health Organization recognizes it as part of China and the Philippines has a One-China policy.

Coming out as a surprise to a lot of poker players and organizers, Taiwan is covered by the temporary travel ban imposed by the Philippines on mainland China. The department of Health clarified this on February 10, 2020 ending the confusion last week to the extent of the ban.  

Quite recently, The Asia Pacific Poker Tour (APPT) was held in Taiwan which could now affect the number of poker players coming to Manila for any tournaments.

According to Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo, Taiwan is included in the ban because the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as part of China.

“If you look at the WHO map and the number of cases that they have, Taiwan is included in China. Since we have a temporary travel restriction and ban on China, then Taiwan is included,”

Domingo said in a press briefing.

“I think the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has made it clear to us that we have a One-China policy,” he also said. The said policy is enclosed in the 1975 Joint Communique between the Chinese and Philippine governments, which “respects the position of the Chinese Government that there is but one China and that Taiwan is an integral part of Chinese territory.”

Domingo said in a press briefing.

Domingo also said that Taiwan has always been included in the expanded travel ban ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte to quell the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

Source: Rappler