By Joseph Almer Pedrajas
Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco on Monday belied rumors that he has been hiding from his constituents amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, saying he is under home quarantine as advised by his doctors.
Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco (NAVOTAS PIO/ MANILA BULLETIN)
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Tiangco disclosed that he has been suffering from "a bout of asthma" since the third week of January, which makes him vulnerable to catching a virus.
"Pinayuhan lang po ako ng aking doktor na doblehin ang pag-iingat dahil ako ay highly allergic at highly asthmatic. Ang ibig sabihin nito, mabilis akong mahawa sa virus at mas matagal ako magkasakit," he said.
(I have been advised by my doctor to take extra caution because I'm highly allergic and asthmatic, which means I could easily catch a virus and would get sick longer than the usual)
"Kaya dahil dito at ayon sa advise ng aking mga doktor...ako ay lalabas lang ng bahay kung talagang napaka-importante," he added.
(Because of this and according to my doctor...I should only get outside of my house if it's really important)
Tiangco assured his constituents that he is working round the clock to keep in touch with city officials to address the concerns of the city regarding COVID-19.
"Simula pa lang paggising hanggang pagtulog, ako ay naka-monitor sa chat group ng mga opisyal ng lungsod para sa mga ginagawa nating aksyon sa pagtugon sa problema ng COVID-19," he said.
(Starting when I wake up until I fall asleep, I've been monitoring our group chats with other city officials to keep updated about the actions we take to fight the threats of COVID-19 problems)
Tiangco stressed that he is only taking care of himself and has expressed his gratitude to those who have expressed concern for him.
"Hindi po ako nagtatago, wala naman akong utang, bakit ako magtatago? Hehehe. Ako ay nag-iingat lang," he added, with his medical records also uploaded on his Facebook page.
(I'm not hiding. I have no debt. Why should I hide? I'm just taking caution)#