President Rodrigo Duterte will be tested for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after he defied the PSG’s “no-touch policy,” and some of his Cabinet members decided to undergo self-quarantine due to close contact with infected persons.
The President’s former aide and now Senator Christopher “Bong” Go confirmed this to reporters in a text message.
“Pa-test kami ni PRRD (President Duterte) tomorrow (We will submit ourselves for test tomorrow),” Go said.
In a statement, Go explained that they would get tested for COVID-19 to ensure that they are “fit and healthy” to perform their duties to the public.
“Considering that some Cabinet members we engage with regularly have been exposed to individuals who were tested positive of COVID-19 and have decided to undergo self-quarantine, it is just prudent for us to take precautionary measures in compliance with the advice of our health officials,” Go said.
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Duterte defies ‘no-touch’ policy; will be tested for coronavirus
President Duterte repeatedly denied the precautions set to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. He was seen shaking hands with military and police officials, as well as their families during an event last night.
Duterte also said he would continue to shake hands despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.
“I want an embrace, why only a handshake? Kulang’ yan… Kalokohan’ yang protocol na ‘yan. I will shake hands,” Duterte told reporters in Malacañang after convening local government officials and the inter-agency body handling the government response to COVID-19.
He also said he is ready if it is already his “time” since he already became a president, and all of his children were now okay.
“Kung tawagin na ako ng Diyos ngayon, oras na ito, pupunta na ako. Tapos na ako. Naging presidente na ako, pinakamataas na maaabot ng isang tao. Mga anak ko, okay na,” Duterte added.
(If God calls me now, this time, I will go. I’m done. I became the President, the highest a man could achieve. My children are all okay now.)
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on separate announcements said last night that they would undergo self-quarantine after interacting with COVID-19 positive patients.
The Presidential Security Group announced that Malacañang would be temporarily closed on Thursday for disinfection.