President Rodrigo Duterte takes his oath as the 16th President of the Philippines at the Rizal Hall in Malacanan Palace on June 30, 2016. Duterte is joined by his children Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, Sebastian and Veronica Duterte. Malacanan News and Information Bureau
MANILA (UPDATE) - Members of President Rodrigo Duterte’s family were tested for the infectious new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), his former aide Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said Tuesday.
Swab tests were conducted on the President’s partner Honeylet Avanceña, and his children Paolo, Sebastian, and Veronica in their hometown Davao City, Go said.
The collected samples have yet to be sent to Manila, he added.
Samples were collected from members of the first family even if they have yet to report symptoms of the disease.
“Para makasigurado (to be sure),” Go said when asked why the family got tested for the disease.
The Department of Health meanwhile has yet to respond on the protocols for testing people for COVID-19.
The President last week tested negative for the disease after he attended an event where a person who tested positive for COVID-19 was also present.
His eldest daughter, Sara Duterte-Carpio also tested negative for COVID-19 after she underwent self-quarantine after she attended a hearing at the Senate hours before it was placed on lockdown on March 11 due to a guest who tested positive for COVID-19.
Rodrigo Duterte, Duterte family, COVID-19, coronavirus, COVID-19 test, Bong Go, Honeylet Avancena, Kitty Duterte, Paolo Duterte, Sebastian Duterte, Davao City