In this photo provided by the Office of Senator Bong Go, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte undergoes testing for COVID-19 at the Malacanang Palace, Manila, Philippine officials say Duterte is being tested for the new virus after meeting with Cabinet officials who were exposed to infected people. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (Office of Senator Bong Go via AP)

Manila, Philippines – Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III officially announced that he would undergo self-quarantine due to, according to him, possible exposure to a patient allegedly infected with the virus. Along with him, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea also announced that he would also submit to self-quarantine, following a “suspicion that he might also have had the infection” due to his exposure to one patient. Also, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade followed also announced to do the same after he was “exposed” to a patient confirmed to have COVID-19 last week.

Meanwhile, being together with Dominguez and Tugade just last week, Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar also announced today that he would do the same. Lastly, Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones also announced she would self-quarantine after some education officials were “exposed” to a COVID-19 patient last February 28 and March 5. However, as of posting, all cabinet members were showing no symptoms of the virus.

Having these cabinet members being considered for test and health monitoring, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also confirmed that the 74 year old president Duterte also decided that he too would consider getting test as he claimed as a “precautionary measures” because, according to his medical records, he had suffered from different medical conditions including Buerger’s disease, spinal problems, Barrett’s esophagus, and myasthenia gravis. This might be because experts of COVID-19 said older adults with preexisting health conditions were more vulnerable, especially those aged over 60-years-old.

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