Koko defends need for COVID-19 test for politicians, cites himself as example

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III on Wednesday defended his fellow politicians who took the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test amid limited testing kits in the country.

Pimentel, who has drawn flak for going to Makati Medical Center to accompany his wife while he was awaiting his COVID-19 results, asked for understanding from the public.

“Ngayon siguro diba may additional test kits na tayo pero tignan niyo rin naman kami. Kahit negative kami, binabash, pagka-postive, binabash pa rin,” Pimentel said in a live interview with Jessica Soho on “24 Oras.”

"I beg for the understanding of everybody," he added.

Pimentel, who eventually tested positive for the virus, said his example shows politicians and government officials should also be tested because there is a possibility that they may also be infected.

“Siguro ‘yong example ko shows na kailangan magpa-test din mga senador natin dahil iba sa kanila, nagkakasakit din,” he said.

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

Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday clarified he underwent the test because he manifested symptoms. Senator Francis Tolentino apologized for taking the test but also maintained he had developed symptoms.

Others who took the test were Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Nancy Binay after being exposed to a positive patient who attended a hearing. Both eventually tested negative for COVID-19.

The Department of Health has denied allegations of VIP testing of politicians. --Ma. Angelica Garcia/JST, GMA News