'Set example in observing COVID-19 protocols' --- Palace
Published Mar 26, 2020 12:00 am
By Genalyn Kabiling
Government officials must "set an example" to the public by strictly observing quarantine protocols to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Malacañang said Thursday.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo
(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) According to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, no one is exempted in the health protocols imposed by the national government and that any violator must be dealt with in accordance with the law. Panelo made the appeal after two lawmakers, who tested positive for the coronavirus, drew criticisms from many groups for allegedly breaking health protocols. "The protocols set by the government for persons under investigation or monitoring must be strictly and absolutely observed by all people falling under the said categories, regardless of their socio-political status," Panelo said in a statement. "There are no exemptions for any person on these health protocols. Those holding high positions in the government are enjoined to set an example to their constituents by strictly observing them,” he added. Panelo said the health protocols to combat COVID-19 are "not meant to (cause) discomfort or burden anyone" but have been established to ensure that "public health and safety” are attained at all times." The Makati Medical Center recently rebuked Senator Aquilino Pimentel III for his alleged "irresponsible and reckless" visit to the facility. The hospital management alleged that Pimentel apparently violated his home quarantine protocol when he visited the facility and unduly exposed its healthcare workers to possible infection. Pimentel said he brought his pregnant wife to the hospital last Tuesday while he was being monitored for possible coronavirus infection. The senator later learned he tested positive for COVID-19. ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Yap also confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19. He said he took the test last March 15 and attended a meeting in Malacañang and the special session of the House of Representatives last March 23. Panelo said that it was up to concerned agencies to establish the relevant facts behind these incidents. He observed that the reports on officials violating health protocols were still "conflicting." "The Palace has received reports that certain officials who are considered persons under either investigation or monitoring, pursuant to issued guidelines, have allegedly breached protocols set by the government through the Department of Health," he said. "The reports being aired in the open are, however, conflicting hence, the Office of the President deems it appropriate that the same be formally evaluated by the concerned agencies upon (receipt of a proper) complaint or otherwise to ascertain the true facts behind the incidents," he added. Panelo said that those who are ascertained to have violated the law must be held accountable. "The equal protection clause of the Constitution imposes equal treatment to all. Any transgressor therefore must be dealt with in accordance with law,” he said.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) According to Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo, no one is exempted in the health protocols imposed by the national government and that any violator must be dealt with in accordance with the law. Panelo made the appeal after two lawmakers, who tested positive for the coronavirus, drew criticisms from many groups for allegedly breaking health protocols. "The protocols set by the government for persons under investigation or monitoring must be strictly and absolutely observed by all people falling under the said categories, regardless of their socio-political status," Panelo said in a statement. "There are no exemptions for any person on these health protocols. Those holding high positions in the government are enjoined to set an example to their constituents by strictly observing them,” he added. Panelo said the health protocols to combat COVID-19 are "not meant to (cause) discomfort or burden anyone" but have been established to ensure that "public health and safety” are attained at all times." The Makati Medical Center recently rebuked Senator Aquilino Pimentel III for his alleged "irresponsible and reckless" visit to the facility. The hospital management alleged that Pimentel apparently violated his home quarantine protocol when he visited the facility and unduly exposed its healthcare workers to possible infection. Pimentel said he brought his pregnant wife to the hospital last Tuesday while he was being monitored for possible coronavirus infection. The senator later learned he tested positive for COVID-19. ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Yap also confirmed he had tested positive for COVID-19. He said he took the test last March 15 and attended a meeting in Malacañang and the special session of the House of Representatives last March 23. Panelo said that it was up to concerned agencies to establish the relevant facts behind these incidents. He observed that the reports on officials violating health protocols were still "conflicting." "The Palace has received reports that certain officials who are considered persons under either investigation or monitoring, pursuant to issued guidelines, have allegedly breached protocols set by the government through the Department of Health," he said. "The reports being aired in the open are, however, conflicting hence, the Office of the President deems it appropriate that the same be formally evaluated by the concerned agencies upon (receipt of a proper) complaint or otherwise to ascertain the true facts behind the incidents," he added. Panelo said that those who are ascertained to have violated the law must be held accountable. "The equal protection clause of the Constitution imposes equal treatment to all. Any transgressor therefore must be dealt with in accordance with law,” he said.