Panelo says health protocols followed in viral singing video

MANILA, Philippines — Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Friday said health protocols against COVID-19 were followed when he was recently seen singing in a restaurant.

Panelo was criticized online for supposedly violating government-imposed health protocols against coronavirus infections after a video of him singing in a restaurant in Makati City made its round on social media.

But President Duterte’s legal counsel defended his singing session, saying that physical distancing was followed at the establishment and that he was wearing a face shield while singing.

“Wrong. There is a social distancing of one meter. And I’m wearing a face shield. Also, I was requested to sing by the guests coursed thru the owner, and the guests came to my table and thanked me. Fake news iyan,” Panelo told INQUIRER.net in a text message.

“Moreover, all the guests, except one or two eating, were wearing their face masks, and there was also one-meter distance between the guests even more with respect to the distance between tables,” he added.

He went on: “So there was no risk of (coronavirus) transmission plus I just had a negative swab test result the day before because we had a Cabinet meeting.”

Netizens pointed out that Panelo was violating the government’s order against the use of karaoke this holiday season.

This was not the first time a Malacañang official was slammed for “merrymaking” amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque was heavily criticized for singing in a Baguio City restaurant as massive floods hit Cagayan and nearby provinces.

Roque defended his actions, saying that it was only meant to unload after a hectic week. [ac]