MANILA – Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque joined the growing list of government officials who have tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Roque announced on Monday that he tested positive for COVID-19 but will continue to discharge his functions since he is asymptomatic.
“Dahil sa dalas ng pakikipagpulong namin sa Presidente, I have to undergo at least three PCR tests a week. I’m very much shocked and surprised na bigla ako nag-positive,” said Roque.
“Wala naman po akong nararamdaman, I am asymptomatic so I can continue with my work,” he added. “I also intend to go to an isolation facility because we need to walk the talk.”
According to Roque, the last time he was with President Rodrigo Duterte in an event was during the latter’s Dumaguete City visit on March 11 and he was negative from the virus. He also went to Ilocos Norte and Quezon City the next day.Roque said he regretted not being able to be inoculated with COVID-19 vaccine during the start of the country’s vaccination program two weeks ago at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH).
“Nagsisisi ako na hindi ako nagpabakuna noon sa PGH, kung nabakunahan siguro ako noon, ay hindi ako nadapuan ng COVID-19 ngayon but we also have to follow protocols na dapat unahin muna ang medical frontliners,” said Roque.
Prior to Roque, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Wilkins Villanueva and Philippine National Police chief Debold Sinas also tested positive for COVID-19 last week./PN
