Philippine News Agency photo of an airport terminal in the Philippines. QUEZON CITY, Dec. 31 (PIA) -- The government today assured the public that it is keeping its guard up against the entry of the new COVID-19 variant as it also guaranteed swift and efficient handling of returning overseas Filipinos. This, after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday, Dec. 30, began the implementation of entry restrictions approved by Malacañang against travelers from countries with the new variant of the dreaded coronavirus disease. The DOTr, through the Civil Aviation Board (CAB), issued an advisory restricting the entry of travelers, except Filipino citizens, from 20 countries based on a memorandum issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Tuesday.