MANILA, Philippines — Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel was quick to deny rumors against him ranging from non-disclosure to VIP treatment after testing positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Pimentel has announced that he tested positive for COVID-19, making him the second Philippine senator to be infected with the disease.

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The senator said he received a call from the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) on Tuesday night about the results of his COVID-19 test and immediately left the hospital where his pregnant wife was supposed to deliver their daughter Wednesday morning.

However, rumors circulated on Wednesday that he lingered at the hospital despite his positive COVID-19 status.

When asked about this allegation, Pimentel said: “I cannot be in two places at the same time. My wife Kath is alone in Makati Med.”

Likewise, Pimentel denied rumors that he called Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to complain after a hospital refused to accept them as the facility has already reached its full capacity.

“I talked to Sec Duque this morning, March 25, 2020, and he just asked me about my situation. By that time, I have already checked my wife Kath in the hospital since yesterday 6 [to] 7 p.m., March 24, 2020,” Pimentel said.

“Hence, Sec Duque has and had nothing to do with our getting a room andante room at the hospital. The good Sec was informed of my situation apparently by my sister,” he added.

Pimentel earlier told reporters in a Viber message that he experienced a low fever last March 18.

He said he also experienced a minor cough and slight sore throat.

“Body pains like flu, yes, around March 14. Now the body is back to normal (with the) usual aches felt even (without) the flu. Chills none. Colds felt (in the) throat area. Diarrhea on off,” he added.

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