Duterte didn’t test positive for COVID-19, Nograles says after Marcos spox’s remark

President Rodrigo Duterte did not test positive for COVID-19, acting presidential spokesperson Karlo Nograles said Tuesday.

This came after lawyer Victor Rodriguez, spokesperson of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. mentioned in an ambush interview with reporters that Duterte got infected with coronavirus.

“PRRD tested and all his COVID-19 tests have come out negative. Results state 'not detected',”  Nograles told reporters.

At the Philippine Arena, Rodriguez was asked about Duterte’s presence in the proclamation rally of the BBM-Sara UniTeam, since his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, is the running mate of Marcos.

Rodriguez said they were not able to reach Duterte, claiming that the President contracted COVID-19.

“Hindi na kami nakapagreach out na kay PRRD dahil alam naman ninyo, kakapositive lang ni PRRD. I think hindi naman tama na obligahin natin ang ating Pangulo na mainvolve sa political exercises,” he said.

“At the same time mindful din kami sa health and safety of the President sapagkat ilang araw lamang ang nakalipas, siya ay nagpositibo sa COVID-19,” Rodriguez added.

To recall, Duterte underwent mandatory quarantine after he was exposed to a household staff member who tested positive for COVID-19.—AOL, GMA News