'HINDI NAGPAPIGIL SA COVID'

Roque: Work goes on despite COVID-19 case in Malacañang

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday said the Palace communications office continues to do its job even after one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19.

Roque had to conduct his regular press briefing outside Malacañang on Tuesday to give way for proper disinfection of the New Executive Building (NEB) and contact tracing as well as swab testing among frontline personnel of the Presidential Communications Operations Office. 

The NEB also houses the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, the press briefing room, the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. 

“Alam n’yo po sa mga nanonood ngayon, sa inyo po, ordinaryong araw lang po sa inyong panonood ng press briefing ang nangyari ngayon. Pero sa amin dito sa Malacañang, ito po’y isang malaking accomplishment,” Roque said in a televised briefing. 

“Pinasok po ang Malacañang ng COVID at hindi po kami nagpapigil sa COVID para magampan ang aming katungkulan.”

The Palace official then congratulated the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, state-run broadcaster PTV and Radio Television Malacañang. 

PCOO Secretary Martin Andanar said the briefings being held at the NEB will continue to operate virtually or remotely “to keep all Filipinos updated on the government's actions in fighting the pandemic and managing its effects.”

The PCOO suspended work beginning on Tuesday. Work will resume on July 27. —KG, GMA News