MANILA (3rd UPDATE)— Sen. Richard Gordon said Wednesday he tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but remains asymptomatic.

"Regular nagpapa-test ako. Asymptomatic ako. Kaagad nag-[isolate] na'ko. Ako nasa bahay ngayon," Gordon, also chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, said in a DZXL interview.

(I get tested for the virus regularly and I am asymptomatic. I immediately isolated myself here in our house.)

He added that he and his wife Katherine have already received their COVID-19 vaccines. "Nakapagbakuna na kami. Magte-test siya in about 3 days para sigurado tayo," he said.

(We already got vaccinated but she will be tested for the virus in about 3 days just to make sure.)

In a separate interview with ABS-CBN News, the Gordon, who is turning 76 next week, said he was advised to take a COVID test after exhibiting symptoms of drowsiness, which is uncommon for him. He added that he also felt he was coming down with a cold.

“Naghabol ako ng tulog eh. I thought that was wrong with me that’s why I had my test. The doctor said I should have a test. Buti na lang sinabi nya,” the lawmaker said.

(I really wanted to sleep. It's good the doctor urged me to get tested for the virus.)

"Yesterday, it was really very bad because I was really falling asleep on my chair... Kaya sabi ko, tawagin mo nga 'yung doctor, check-in lang ako, kasi I don’t know what’s happening to me. And I felt a little bit kwan, parang feeling ko stuffy nose,” he added.

(I said call the doctor, I want myself to get checked.. I feel like I have stuffy nose.)

He recalled not wearing a face mask while talking to a janitor before taking the test.

The senator is now being isolated from other family members and will undergo further testing in an undisclosed hospital.

FAMILY NEGATIVE OF COVID-19

Gordon and all his Philippine Red Cross staff underwent RT-PCR swabbing on Tuesday night, but he was the only one who tested positive for the virus.

He added that a repeat test would be conducted after 5 days for his family, even if his wife, children, and grandchildren already turned out negative for COVID-19.

Despite his condition, Gordon said he wants to see if he could still continue his work by reporting virtually while recuperating from COVID-19.

“If I can handle it via Zoom, kapag wala namang disturbance, I will do it… My children are all terrified. My sisters are all terrified… I feel... OK naman. At least, marami namang nagmamahal sa akin,” he said.

(If there is no disturbance I will work via Zoom. I am okay, I know that a lot of people love me.)

Gordon is the sixth member of the Senate to have contracted COVID-19. Senators Koko Pimentel, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sonny Angara, Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa and Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. earlier caught the respiratory illness and recovered.

Gordon has been urging the public to get vaccinated against the coronavirus amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

In an interview on ANC Headstart Wednesday, Gordon revealed he had recently met with Vice President Leni Robredo for a possible partnership but declined to say if he will be Robredo's runningmate in the 2022 elections.

• Gordon says he met with VP Robredo for partnership in 2022 polls