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Here's why solon is getting the blame for rise in COVID-19 cases in Lower House
Here's why solon is getting the blame for rise in COVID-19 cases in Lower House
A ranking official of the House of Representatives who allegedly pushed for the conduct of weekly antigen tests for congressmen and employees of the chamber may be partly responsible for the rise in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the Lower House.
As of Thursday, March 18, the Lower House reported that 30 employees and three congressmen had tested positive for COVID-19, applying the preferred and accurate RT-PCR test.
Speaker Lord Allan Velasco declared a four-day lockdown the following day.
On Saturday, Iloilo 1st District Rep. Jannette Garin blamed the rise in coronavirus cases to the “unregulated testing that has become a business opportunity for some.”
“Antigen tests which were recommended only for the symptomatics was widely used even in Congress. Our appeal fell on deaf ears,” Garin said.
The former health secretary told Manila Bulletin that antigen tests have high false negative results at 40 percent.
“The problem is there are those getting a negative result, thinking they are CoVID free despite the possibility of being asymptomatic,” she explained.
Multiple sources, at least three of them congressmen, have disclosed that a ranking official of the chamber is behind the leadership’s decision to have employees and House members undergo antigen test as part of the safety protocol of the chamber.
Conducted every Monday for all personnel as a mandatory requisite for work in the chamber, the weekly antigen examination could be one of the most expensive health protocols to be imposed in a government office.
“Congressmen who have visitors are not allowed entry to the chamber until they have tested negative after undergoing antigen test. House members have to bear the burden of paying for the test which could be higher than those readily available in the market,” an administration solon, who requested anonymity, noted.
“Mayroon nagsabi sa amin na mas mahal daw sa ordinaryong antigen ang presyo (We were told that the cost is higher compared to ordinary tests),” he added.
Asked for her comment, Garin said does not “have any idea’ on the cost of antigen tests in the Lower House.
“I don't have any idea re: pricing but Antigen tests are recommended for symptomatic patients, to allow the doctor to immediately treat the patient,” said Garin.