Roque may have been accommodated in PGH's presidential suite –ex-DOH chief Garin

Former Health Secretary and current Iloilo Representative Janette Garin on Tuesday speculated that presidential spokesman Harry Roque might have been accommodated in the Philippine General Hospital's (PGH's) presidential suite.

This after the Palace official refused to disclose how he was immediately admitted at the hospital despite a shortage of vacancies at health centers due to the COVID-19 surge.

Garin added that it was possible President Rodrigo Duterte voluntarily gave his spot at the presidential suite to Roque.

"Yes, actually ganito, let me make it clear, hindi ko alam kung paano nangyari, (I don't know what happened) because I’m not privy to it. But as former secretary of health, I am aware that there are 2 presidential suites: one in PGH, one at the Philippine Heart Center," Garin told reporters.

"So it’s possible, kasi I was asked kung pwede ba ‘yon. It’s possible that the president waived his right to that room," she added.

The lawmaker also pointed out that hospital presidential suites were always vacant in case of an emergency, though use of the room can also be "waived in favor of an official or somebody."

Roque was confined at the PGH after he again tested positive for the viral illness. He first contracted the disease last March 15.

He explained that his doctors had ordered him to get admitted to the PGH. He also characterized questions over his admission as "unchristian." — DVM, GMA News