Senators Binay, Gatchalian test negative for COVID-19: Duque

March 17, 2020

Senators Nancy Binay and Sherwin Gatchalian have been found negative of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

This came a day after Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri said he tested positive of COVID-19.

In a radio interview, Duque said test results for Binay and Gatchalian come out negative.

"The test results for Senators Binay and Gatchalian have already come out and showed that they are negative," said Duque.

Duque said he wants to have Zubiri re-tested.

"This test is not really 100 percent (accurate). There are a few that are false positive. This is why I would want it repeated," said Duque.

Duque advised Zubiri to just continue undergoing home quarantine until he completes the 14-day period.

"In the meantime, he should just continue his home quarantine for 10 more days. What is more important is he has no symptoms," said Duque.

Also under self-quarantine are Binay, Gatchalian, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, as well as Senators Panfilo Lacson, Sonny Angara, Imee Marcos, Francis Tolentino, Bong Revilla, Kiko Pangilinan, and Lito Lapid.

This comes after some senators have had contact with a COVID-19 patient in a recent hearing. DMS