Zubiri withdraws from physically attending 5th SONA, to monitor from home

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Monday withdrew from physically attending President Rodrigo Duterte's 5th State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa.

In a message, Zubiri said his COVID-19 swab test result has yet to come out but he chose to just monitor the SONA from home because he fears possibly getting the virus at Batasang Pambansa.

A COVID-19 survivor, Zubiri said: "Takot ako sa COVID."

House Deputy Speaker Johnny Pimentel earlier tested positive for COVID-19.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III already arrived at the venue after testing negative for the virus.

Senators Francis Tolentino and Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. are also at the House.

Senators Pia Cayetano and Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa likewise tested negative for COVID-19. Also expected to attend physically are Senators Sherwin Gatchalian and Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go.—AOL, GMA News