BACOLOD City – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) following a trip abroad with some political allies.
Benitez was from his trip to Japan and designated Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran as acting mayor from Nov. 4 to 7.
“Upon my arrival in Manila this morning from my official leave, I had myself tested for my meeting with President BBM and the result was positive,” read part of the mayor’s official statement yesterday.
“I feel okay but with mild symptoms,” he said, adding that, “Rest assured that all day-to-day tasks of the city would continue to function well, while I am working from home.”
Meanwhile, the mayor’s political allies on Team Asenso who went to Japan with him are now on self-isolation.
“Considering that we were with the mayor, the group deemed it necessary and rational to exercise prudence and caution. We will self-isolate within the period required by the established protocol of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) on persons exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual,” read part of the group’s official statement.
It added, “On behalf of Congressman Greg Gasataya, councilors Thaddy Sayson, Al Victor Espino, Vladimir Gonzalez, Jason Villarosa, Kalaw Puentevella, Simple Distrito, Celia Flor, Pao Sy, former Councilors Sonya Verdeflor, Bart Orola, former BM Patrick Lacson, and the 11 barangay captains, we also assure the public that we will subject ourselves to swab testing to be sure that we are free from COVID and for the safety of everyone, although we have no symptoms.”/PN
