MANILA - A PDP-Laban official on Wednesday urged the public to give Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel time to recuperate from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before he answers the National Bureau of Investigation's (NBI) queries about his alleged violation of quarantine protocols.
The NBI earlier said it would summon Pimentel to explain why he was spotted in a grocery and accompanied his pregnant wife to the hospital despite experiencing symptoms of the highly contagious disease.
"It's reasonable and logical for NBI to invite Sen. Koko Pimentel for questioning re: possible violations of quarantine protocols," PDP-Laban executive director Ron Munsayac said in a tweet.
"But please let us give the man a few weeks to rest, recover and beat COVID," said Munsayac, who also works as Pimentel's chief political officer.
Pimentel drew public ire last week after he allegedly exposed several health workers and patients to COVID-19 when he went to the Makati Medical Center with his wife, hours before he confirmed that he was a carrier of the coronavirus.
Pimentel has apologized to the public, but netizens continue to scorn the senator even after his wife gave birth to their first daughter over the weekend.
Pimentel was among 4 government officials summoned by the NBI for their alleged violation of quarantine rules. Some local chief executives, including Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto, will also face the NBI to clarify supposed violations of the law.