Sotto says he never asked to be prioritized for DOH's COVID-19 test

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday clarified that he has undergone the Department of Health's (DOH) coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test because he manifested symptoms.

In a statement released on Sunday night, Sotto admitted that he has taken two tests -- the first one was done on March 16 with the help of his friend from the private sector with a testing kit that is not yet accredited by the DOH and the Food and Drug Administration.

"The testing kit is different from what the DOH is using right now. I know that a number of PUIs need the DOH-approved test kits more," he said.

Sotto underscored that he took this first test with instant result to ensure that he can still perform his duties and safely meet with various stakeholders in addressing the COVID-19 situation.

"My test turned out negative, but since I'm manifesting dry cough and sore throat for days now and due to my age and exposure to PUIs and PUMs, I took a confirmatory test," he said.

"It's been a week now and to clarify this, I haven't received the results as I never asked to be prioritized," he added.

Over the weekend, netizens have condemned the alleged VIP testing of politicians despite the limited number of test kits for COVID-19 in the country.

Senator Francis Tolentino apologized for taking the test but maintained that he had developed symptoms.

Also among those who took the test were Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay after being exposed to a COVID-19 patient who attended a Senate hearing. They both tested negative for the virus.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, on the other hand, was diagnosed to be infected with COVID-19 after experiencing slight fever. --KBK, GMA News