Ombudsman discussing probe of Koko Pimentel's breach of COVID-19 protocols at Makati Med

The Office of the Ombudsman is discussing whether or not to investigate Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III who allegedly broke COVID-19 quarantine protocols by when he went with his wife to the Makati Medical Center (MMC) earlier this week.

“I’m discussing with my subordinates if a motu proprio investigation will be conducted on Senator Koko Pimentel’s supposed breach of COVID-19 protocols at the Makati Medical Center,” Ombudsman Samuel Martires said in a statement.

Pimentel has apologized for his actions, saying that it was not his intention to expose the MMC workforce to COVID-19 or cause any harm. He said he wanted to be with his wife for the delivery of their first child.

The MMC on Wednesday night called his actions irresponsible and reckless.

In response to Pimentel’s apology, MMC Medical Director Saturnino Javier said that such apology is subject to the appreciation of the MMC workforce.

Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act penalizes the "non-cooperation" of persons who have a notifiable disease, should report or respond to such diseases, are affected by health events of public concern. -NB, GMA News