Messages of concern and support over Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s battle against COVID-19 have flooded the social media prompting the Partido Reporma party standard bearer to assure supporters that the dreaded disease will not stop him from doing his job as lawmaker and political party leader.
The Partido Reporma camp disclosed that Lacson has continued to work via remote while on self-quarantine which he started days before RT-PCR test found him positive for COVID-19.
Prior to the release of his test result on Friday, Lacson started informing individuals he came into contact with of the possibility that he could have been infected by his chief of staff and eldest son who both tested positive to COVID-19.
Thousands of well-wishers and supporters took to the social media to air their concern and assurance of prayers for the senator’s swift recovery.
“Pls (please) stay safe po, Sir. We need you as our leader,” wrote one of his followers on Facebook under the username Li Mo. “Get well soon, Mr. Lacson. Stay safe always. Our country needs (you). God please heal this man,” said Nenita Aniz Abiera, who commented on another post.
“Wish you the best of health, sir. God Bless,” netizen FRCBen wrote on Twitter followed by a prayer emoji. A number of similar tweets that Lacson received also attached the #WeNeedALeader and #LacsonMostQualifiedPresident among other supportive hashtags.
Some netizens, meanwhile, commended Lacson for immediately informing the public and everyone he came in contact with about the results of his COVID-19 test. This prompted more people to take the coronavirus threat more seriously, especially the highly contagious Omicron variant.
“This is an eye opener to everyone to always take things seriously because our enemy isn't visible to our naked eye. COVID isn't a joke. So, please always practice the safety protocols,” wrote Barbara Ortega in her comment.
To assure his followers that he is doing okay, Lacson posted a screenshot of his Zoom meeting with his grandchildren last night to virtually celebrate the 16th birthday of his granddaughter Checa.
The presidential aspirant remains in isolation at their residence to avoid infecting the rest of his family.
Lacson repeatedly reminded his followers on both popular social media networks to obey public health authorities and observe the necessary protocols at all times whenever they had to go outside of their homes amid the continuing pandemic.
“Doble ingat po tayong lahat. Magsuot ng (Let’s take extra caution. Always wear a) face mask, mag-social distancing, umiwas sa mga matataong lugar at maghugas ng kamay. (Practice social distancing, avoid crowded places and wash your hands),” Lacson commented.
“Please observe mandatory health protocols. Stay safe sa lahat (everyone)! Para naman sa mga katulad ko na nag-positive sa Covid, magpalakas po tayo. Kaya natin malampasan 'to! (For those like me, who tested positive for COVID-19, let’s get stronger. We can beat this!) Get well soon!” he added.
Lacson has been using his quarantine time to actively engage with his supporters online. He also continues to entertain questions from the members of the press and plans to accept radio interviews to keep the public abreast of his health condition as well as his views on current national issues.