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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Congresswoman is 10th solon to test positive for COVID-19

Congresswoman is 10th solon to test positive for COVID-19

Published Sep 16, 2020 10:41 pm

Opposition stalwart and Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas has tested positive for COVID-19 but her condition was not enough to stop her from pursuing her fiscalizing role in the House of Representatives.

Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas

 As the Lower House made an official announcement of Brosas’ medical report, the lawmaker still actively participated in the budget hearing for the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

 Brosas also released a press statement assailing Ombudsman Samuel Martires for putting an end to the long standing transparency policy of allowing public access to records concerning the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of officials.

“This move runs counter to the intent of Republic Act 6713, which seeks to make SALNs readily available to the public,” said Brosas.

Many reporters covering the Ombudsman beat were also held in disgust over Martires' decision even as they noted that the top anti-graft prosecutor has not been accessible to the media.

“This circular comes unfortunately at a time when slew of corruption allegations are being exposed as happening under President Duterte’s nose, and at a time when greater transparency and accountability are needed,” said Brosas.

The lady solon became the tenth House member to test positive for the dreaded COVID 19.

Two of them, Reps. Francisco Datol Jr (Senior Citizens Partylist) and Ditas Ramos (NPC, Sorsogon) died.

Those who have been infected were Reps. Eric Pineda (1Pacman Partylist); Luis Ferrer (NP, Cavite); Henry Villarica (PDP-Laban, Bulacan); Paul Daza (NUP, Northern Samar); Samier  Tan (PDP-Laban, Sulu); and Deputy Speakers Mujiv Hataman and Johnny Pimentel. 

Brosas confirmed her COVID 19 condition when she participated in the hearing for the 2021 budget of the DSWD.

“I feel fine right now kasi mild case siya,” she said.

She aired strong suspicion that she may have contacted the novel coronavirus when she attended legislative proceedings in the Lower House on September 2.

“I have experienced mild symptoms in the past few days and got myself tested immediately.  I also immediately went under quarantine,” she said.

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