Duterte, Go have no COVID-19 infection, tests show

President Rodrigo Duterte has tested negative for COVID-19, his former special assistant Senator Bong Go said on Friday night.

Go, who also submitted samples for the COVID-19 test on Thursday, said he too was negative for COVID-19 infection.

"The results of the tests for COVID-19 conducted on President Rodrigo Duterte and I turned out negative. We are fit and healthy to  perform our duties," Go said in a statement.

The Palace on Saturday morning officially confirmed that Duterte and Go have tested negative for COVID-19, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

“This means that there is no stopping the Chief Executive from performing his primary constitutional duty of serving and protecting the people, especially at this perilous time when our country is faced with a deathly disease that threatens the very lives of our countrymen,” Panelo said.

“PRRD will continue to work with his usual passion and dedication for the nation. He will observe pre-emptive measures to secure his health as he steers the government in arresting the spread of the contagion,” he said.

The Palace official noted that the government remains vigilant as it prepares to respond to any disturbing development that will arise from the COVID-19 threat.

“We call on everyone to rally behind the government in its fight against this pandemic. Let us lock our hands in unity and will triumph over this war against the unseen enemy,” Panelo said. —Ted Cordero/NB/KG, GMA News