MANILA - Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. announced that a long-time member of his staff has succumbed to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

According to Revilla, his staff member, who has been with him for almost 30 years, died of the disease Sunday afternoon.

"Everthing was so fast and sudden. He has been with me mula sa pag-aartista - through the ups and downs, the thick and thin - tapos ngayon wala na siya," Revilla said in a statement.

Revilla also thanked his friend for everything he has done for him and his family.

"Salamat sa pagmamahal hindi lang sa akin kundi pati sa aking pamilya - asawa, mga anak, at mga apo - lalo na sa mga panahon ng matinding pagsubok hindi mo ako iniwan. Pero ngayon, napakabilis ka namang kinuha sa amin, at 'ni huling pamamaalam, hindi namin pwedeng ibigay sa'yo. Napakasakit," he said.

"We had a good run. I will miss you. It will not be the same," Revilla added.

The senator also asked everyone to stay at home and take care of their health.

As of Sunday, the Philippines has a total of 1,418 COVID-19 cases, with 71 fatalities and 42 recoveries.

• Tracking COVID-19 cases in the Philippines