Senator Revilla tests positive for COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. has tested positive for the coronavirus disease. He confirmed his medical condition in a statement on Sunday.

Revilla assured his supporters that he is doing well and that his wife, Cavite 2nd District Rep. Lani Mercado and their children are also fine and have tested negative for the disease.

According to the senator, they immediately had themselves tested after one of his staffers and another person living in their household had contracted the disease.

“Nakakalungkot po na balita – I am COVID-19 positive.  Pero huwag po kayo mag-alala, I am okay. Sila Lani at ang mga bata ay okay rin at sa awa ng Diyos, ay negative naman lahat,” Revilla said.

(It is a saddening news — I am COVID-19 positive.  But please do not worry, I am Okay.  Lani and the children are also okay too, and thank God they all tested negative.)

“Kami ay nagpatest at nag-isolate agad matapos may mag-positive sa aming household at isa sa aking mga tauhan,” he added.

(We all had ourselves tested and we immediately isolated after a person in our household and one of my staffers tested positive.)

Revilla noted that the last time he went out was last Monday, as he went to the Senate and last Tuesday, to mark the 40th day since his father, former senator Ramon Revilla Sr., had passed.

“I was last in the Senate on Monday before all of this, and was last out on Tuesday nung 40th day ni Daddy.  Sa payo po ng aking doktor ay itutuloy ko ngayon ang aking quarantine, but will be under observation,” he added.

(I was last in the Senate on Monday before all of this, and was last out on Tuesday on the 40th day since my father died.  My doctor advised me to continue my quarantine, but I will be under observation.)

“Kasama ang inyong mga dasal, at sa grasya ng Panginoon, makakaraos at malalampasan din natin ito.  Ngayon pa lang, salamat po sa inyong mga panalangin. Thank you for your prayers,” he said.

(With your prayers and the grace of God, we can overcome this challenge.  Even now, I am already thanking you for your prayers.)

Revilla is the latest senator to have tested positive for the coronavirus disease after Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sonny Angara, and Koko Pimentel.  Currently, the Senate is in a two-week lockdown in support of the call made by health workers for stricter quarantine measures.

READ: Senate goes on two-week lockdown

/MUF