MANILA, Philippines — As far as Interior Secretary Eduardo Año is concerned, there is no need to investigate Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, who was accused of violating health rules during an alleged videoke session in Makati, noting that the COVID-19 protocols were still observed at the establishment.
“There is no need for investigation. This is an isolated incident and Sec. Panelo has already submitted his explanation. This is not the usual karaoke event but a one-time request from some diners for him to sing. The incident happened in an outdoor dining restaurant and protocols are still observed,” Año told INQUIRER.net in a text message, reacting to the controversial and viral video of Panelo singing at a Makati restaurant.
Nonetheless, Año said Panelo was reminded to follow “strictest minimum health standards and exercise the proper discretion being a high government official of the land.”
The Palace official already denied that he violated health protocols, saying that he and other guests observed one-meter physical distancing.
The Department of Health previously announced that public videoke sessions are discouraged because it may cause high risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the coronavirus disease.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government also called on local government units (LGUs) to approve ordinances that prohibit public videoke sessions to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus disease.