BREAKING: Senator Angara positive for COVID-19

Sen. Sonny Angara
(File photo by EDWIN BACASMAS / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sonny Angara has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the lawmaker confirmed on Thursday.

“I regret to announce that today, March 26, I received my test result and it is positive for COVID-19. I have been feeling some symptoms like mild fever, cough, headaches and general weakness,” he said in a statement.

“I have not been in contact with the public since taking the test last March 16,” he added.

Angara’s confirmation comes only a day after fellow Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel himself disclosed that he contracted the disease.

READ: BREAKING: Koko tests positive for COVID-19

Angara is the third senator to test positive for COVID-19 after Pimentel and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“I ask for your prayers that together we are able to pull through this tremendous challenge,” Angara went on.

“Let us continue to support all efforts to fight the further spread of the virus. Let us support our frontliners on the streets, in the emergency rooms as they are key to the effort. With hope, sacrifice, and unity of effort, we shall overcome,” he added.

Angara, along with several other senators, earlier decided to undergo a self-quarantine after a resource person invited in a Senate hearing last March 5 tested positive for COVID-19.

READ: More senators undergo self-quarantine

He also did not physically participate during the Senate special session early this week where the now signed “Bayanihan To Heal As One Act” was tackled.