PSG eyes raps vs. party-list solon Eric Yap for breach of COVID-19 protocols

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) said Thursday it is ready to file charges against ACT-CIS party-list Representative Eric Go Yap for breach of COVID-19 protocols in Malacañang.

PSG commander Colonel Jesus Durante III said Yap failed to disclose necessary information when he entered the Palace for a meeting on March 21, including exposure to persons who contracted the virus and the onset of symptoms.

“For whatever reason, he failed to disclose all needed information. PSG troopers on duty assessed him according to the answers on the said form he submitted, the basis of which he was allowed entry,” Durante said.

“If really needed, we could file a case against him for breach [of protocols].”

Yap announced on Wednesday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

Since February this year, the PSG has been requiring all Palace visitors to disclose details about their health and travel history as a precautionary measure against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The form states that failure to answer any question or any falsified response may entail “serious consequences,” citing the provision of the Revised Penal Code on the crime of falsification of documents.

Durante said the PSG is already conducting an investigation on the incident and that some 20 PSG and Office of the President personnel are now under self-quarantine due to their exposure to Yap.

The PSG chief also said they might require future Palace visitors to disclose whether they have taken a COVID-19 test.

Durante said the PSG has been restricting visits to President Rodrigo Duterte and his attendance to meetings. 

He cited the meeting of the President with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) on Tuesday, which was held through video conferencing.

“We are fighting COVID-19. This is actually for the safety [of everyone], not only the President,” Durante said. --KBK, GMA News