Senator Koko Pimentel tests positive for COVID-19

(Eagle News) — Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019.

Pimentel himself said this in a message on Wednesday, March 25.

He said he received the news from the Department of Health, after he underwent the test on Friday, March 20.

“I have quarantined myself upon the doctor’s advice and consistent with the protocol,” he said, noting that he felt he was “on the way to recovery.”

He urged the people he had close contact with to self-quarantine, and urged everyone to observe social distancing, enhanced community quarantine measures, and ensure their personal hygiene.

“I have faith that together, we can overcome these challenging times,” he said.

Earlier, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said he tested positive for the virus.

The Department of Health later said, however, Zubiri should have himself tested again as his results may have been a “false positive.”

Zubiri, however, refused to be retested. With a report from Meanne Corvera