MANILA, Philippines — Dr. Sally Gatchalian, sister of TV host Ruby Rodriguez, is the latest doctor to succumb to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Rodriguez confirmed the passing of her sister in an Instagram post Thursday.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also confirmed the passing of the doctor in an interview over dzMM.
“I love you so much, my big sister. Smile. Say hi to Mom, Dad and Manong Robert. Be at peace, do not worry about us anymore. Have fun in heaven! Love you so much!!!” the TV host wrote.
Gatchalian is the president of the Philippine Pediatric Society.
Earlier, Rodriguez said her sister was confined to a hospital.
“She is weak but stable,” the comedienne said in a Twitter post.
To date, there are 636 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country, 38 of whom have died while 26 recovered.
The DOH has yet to give an official tally of how many health professionals, or doctors have contracted the disease, but Dr. Rustico Jimenez of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines (PHAP) confirmed that Gatchalian is the 9th physician to have died of the disease.