Panelo draws flak over ‘videoke’ session at resto

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo denied violating health protocols after drawing flak online when a video of him singing at a Makati City restaurant surfaced on social media. The Department of Health discourages public videoke and karaoke sessions because singing transmits a high viral load. Panelo said he wore a face shield while singing and other guests observed one-meter distancing. “Also the restaurant was outdoor not indoor, scientists and doctors say the risk of transmission of the virus is very low. In other words, there was no violation of the health protocols,” he said in a Viber message. —Leila B. Salaverria