PACC chairman Belgica contracts COVID-19

PACC chief Greco Belgica (Photo from an RTVM video)

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission chairperson  Greco Belgica said Friday he has tested positive for SARS-Cov2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

“Nakakalungkot na sa kabila ng ating pag-iingat ay tinamaan pa rin ako ng COVID-19. Tunay nga hindi biro ang sakit na ito at talagang mapanganib,” Belgica said in a statement.

(It’s unfortunate that despite being careful, I still contracted COVID-19. This disease is no joke and really dangerous.)

“Gayunpaman, positibo man tayo sa sakit ay positibo pa rin nating haharapin ang mga hamon ng aking sinumpaang tungkulin na labanan ang katiwalian sa gobyerno. Humihingi ako ng dasal para sa akin paggaling at dasal para sa kaligtasan ng lahat,” he added.

(Nonetheless, I may have tested positive for the disease, but I will also positively face the challenges of my sworn duty to fight corruption in government. I’m asking for prayers for my recovery and for the safety of all.)

Government personnel, including Cabinet secretaries, have recently been among the many new COVID-19 cases in the country.

Last month, Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado went on a medical leave after he tested positive for COVID-19. He later on resigned over medical reasons.  

Over 100 employees of the Office of the Civil Defense in Camp Aguinaldo have also contracted COVID-19.

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