Leila de Lima negative for COVID-19, still confined in hospital due to chest pains

MANILA, Philippines – Former Senator Leila de Lima on Tuesday tested negative for COVID-19 but remained confined in a hospital due to chest pains.

De Lima – who two days ago had the shock of her life when an inmate at the Philippine National Police (PNP) custodial center in Camp Crame, where she is being detained, briefly held her hostage – took to Twitter to announce her health condition.

The former senator had to get tested after her exposure to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., who had tested positive for the virus.

READ: DILG chief Abalos tests positive for COVID-19 again

De Lima is currently confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital (PNPGH) for monitoring and tests.

From former Senator Leila De Lima’s Twitter

“I’m now confined at the PNPGH for further monitoring and tests due to lingering chest pains as a result of the constant pressing by the hostage-taker of the sharp weapon on my chest just beside the heart,” she said.

De Lima’s hearing for her remaining illegal drug charges had to be postponed due to her exposure to Abalos. The judge suspended the hearing despite the presence of the accused, defense counsel, witnesses, and prosecutors.

“The Judge had no choice but to cancel and reset the hearing, to safeguard everyone’s health, including that of the court personnel, and in observance of existing health protocols,” said De Lima.

From former Senator Leila De Lima’s Twitter

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