Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian contracts COVID-19

Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian on Wednesday bared that he tested positive for COVID-19 after undertaking routine work safety testing.

On Twitter, he said he has mild symptoms but will continue his duties as local chief executive.

"I am manifesting very mild symptoms and will continue to discharge my responsibilities as City Mayor from one of the City's isolation units where I am currently under mandatory quarantine. Rest assured the services of City Hall will continue without any hitches," said Gatchalian.

"Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad Borja as well as the whole Management Team of City Hall will also be in full force physically running the affairs of the city," he added.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco also announced on Sunday that he contracted the severe respiratory disease, adding that he will undergo quarantine.

Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano also tested positive for COVID-19, her second time since February 2021, Unang Balita reported on Monday.

As of January 4, the Philippines' total COVID-19 cases was at 2,861,119, of which, 51,604 are fatalities and 2,779,706 are recoveries. —Consuelo Marquez/KG, GMA News