Duterte advised to undergo self-quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has been advised by his doctor and the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to undergo self-quarantine, Malacañang confirmed Friday.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this is a precautionary measure after the President was exposed to Cabinet members who were likewise exposed to a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patient.

“PRRD will self-quarantine himself on his birthday tomorrow following the advice of the PSG as well as doctors for his protection following his exposure to some officials who themselves have been exposed to a confirmed Covid-19 victim,” Panelo said in a statement.

Several Cabinet members like the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Wendel Avisado, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista, and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said they would undergo self-quarantine.

“He will continue with his work while on quarantine. His only birthday wish is for our countrymen to stay home and the total eradication of the coronavirus,” he added.

Duterte’s former aide and Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said the President would be on quarantine until April 7 and would spend his birthday at home.

“To some extent, parang home quarantine ang ginagawa niya palagi sa bawat birthday niya. Parehas rin lang ngayon dahil inabisuhan siya ng kanyang doktor at ng PSG na magself-quarantine na rin para sa kanyang proteksyon bilang exposed siya sa Malacanang,” Go said in a statement.

(To some extent, he is always on home quarantine during his birthdays. It’s the same right now since he was advised by his doctor and PSG to undergo self-quarantine as a precautionary measure against exposure in Malacañang.)

PSG chief Col. Jesus Durante III said the President would most likely stay in Malacañang for his birthday.

“So far, sa ngayon, dito lang siya. Dito lang,” Durante said.

Visitors for the President’s birthday are also not allowed, Durante added.

A member of the House of Representatives who tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) attended a meeting in Malacañang last week.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. who likewise tested for the virus had recently visited Malacañang, Durante earlier said.

These visits prompted the PSG personnel to undergo self-quarantine as a precautionary measure against the virus.