Pacquiao uses S. Korean testing kit, tests negative

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Manny Pacquiao has tested negative for the new coronavirus disease based on a rapid testing kit that has yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Pacquiao said in a statement that a friend in South Korea gave him the kit, which was similar to the ones being used in that country.

Pacquiao said he had been staying at his house since March 24 after a special session in the Senate.

The barangay chair of his Makati village had sent him a letter asking him to self-quarantine and be a “model example” based on photos, shared on social media, of a March 4 party at his house attended by Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, who had tested positive for the disease.

Pacquiao, however, questioned the circulation of the letter on social media, saying it was a total disregard of his privacy. He said he would refer the matter to the proper authorities for investigation.

—Leila B. Salaverria