Bello tests positive for coronavirus

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III (Albert Calvelo/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has tested positive for COVID-19 but is currently asymptomatic “and remains on top of his health.”

In a statement on Tuesday, DOLE said the septuagenarian remains “on the top of his health” and is currently asymptomatic.

Bello is also on self-quarantine in his hometown in Ilagan City, Isabela, where the test was conducted on Saturday, August 14.

It was likewise in Ilagan City where the labor chief received his AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in May.

“Secretary Bello, who is fully vaccinated, is on self-quarantine at his hometown Ilagan where the test was made on Saturday. Even while in isolation, the Secretary continues to discharge his functions,” the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Prior to contracting the virus, the Secretary has been receiving officials and guests at his office, and traveled to various parts of the country distributing assistance to displaced and disadvantaged formal and informal sector workers affected by the pandemic,” the agency added.

Aside from Bello, other Cabinet members who contracted COVID-19 were Education Secretary Leonor Briones, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary of Public Works and Highways Mark Villar, and Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado.

EDV