Tugade, Other Cabinet Members Negative for Covid-19

duterte go tugade
A number of Cabinet members, including Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, tested negative for the coronavirus disease Covid-19. The negative test results will allow them to continue with their appointed duties as the country stabilizes its efforts to combat the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo relayed the news in a press conference. “We are glad to know that the two are healthy and were tested negative for Covid-19. They will continue to perform their respective duties in the service of the Filipino people,” Panelo said in a statement. Other Cabinet members who were tested and confirmed negative for the virus include Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Col. Jesus Durante III and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar. Despite testing negative, the Cabinet members have expressed that they will continue to observe preventive measures as they go about their work. Meanwhile, Medialdea will pursue self-quarantine, according to a text message he sent to reporters. In a separate statement, Transport Assistant Secretary Goddess Hope Libiran said that she and Tugade believe the Filipino spirit will be key to conquering the dangerous outbreak. TugadeMatibay ang Pilipino. Tuloy ang trabaho. Covid-19 may be strong, but it will never be strong enough to bring this country, and the hearts of the Filipinos down,” Libiran said, quoting Tugade. Libiran herself was also tested for the disease, which came up negative. Finance Assistant Secretary Tony Lambino also confirmed that Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez III also tested negative for the virus. President Rodrigo Duterte and his former aide, now Senator Christopher “Bong" Go, also underwent the test late last week, and yielded negative results.
President Rodrigo Duterte From Wikimedia Commons
“The results of the tests for Covid-10 conducted on President Rodrigo Duterte and I turned out negative. We are fit and healthy to perform our duties,” Go said. Aside from those already mentioned, Cabinet members and government officials who are on self-quarantine are Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Benjamin Diokno, Education Secretary Leonor Briones, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Vince Dizon. The main palace and other offices at Malacañang underwent cleaning and disinfection as part of precautionary measures amid the Covid-19 threat on Thursday, March 12. Work at the main Palace resumed an hour after the conduct of disinfection. The Philippine Government has launched comprehensive measures in combating the disease, with the President announcing a month-long lockdown in the Metro. Curfews have also been enacted in certain metropolitan areas. According to the Department of Health (DOH), as of March 16, 9:00 am, the number of Covid-19 cases in the country has reached 140, with 72 cases pending test results. So far, there have been 12 confirmed deaths in the country related to Covid-19, with only two persons reported to have recovered from the disease.

Also Read:

PUV Drivers, Passengers Urged to take Safety Measures Vs Covid-19

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • PH-spec Hyundai Stargazer now more athletic-looking
    PH-spec Hyundai Stargazer now more athletic-looking
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Kia expands NEV line with EV5 introduction
    Kia expands NEV line with EV5 introduction
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Toyota previews what it has in store for JMS 2025
    Toyota previews what it has in store for JMS 2025
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Nissan previews all-new Tekton
    Nissan previews all-new Tekton
    Ruben Manahan IV . Today
  • Porsche Formula E team changes name, aims for triple championship
    Porsche Formula E team changes name, aims for triple championship
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • 4 reasons why you should buy the Ford Territory Hybrid
    4 reasons why you should buy the Ford Territory Hybrid
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • Here are the PH-offered Isuzu D-Max's 6 available tones
    Here are the PH-offered Isuzu D-Max's 6 available tones
    Paulo Papa . Oct 10, 2025
  • Here are the BYD Tang DM-i’s strengths, weaknesses
    Here are the BYD Tang DM-i’s strengths, weaknesses
    Cesar Miguel . Oct 10, 2025
  • Let’s check out Omoda C5’s well-arranged interior
    Let’s check out Omoda C5’s well-arranged interior
    Cesar Miguel . Oct 09, 2025
  • Check out the PH-retailed Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid's 11 tones
    Check out the PH-retailed Subaru Forester e-Boxer Hybrid's 11 tones
    Paulo Papa . Oct 08, 2025
  • Here are ways to avoid road rage
    Here are ways to avoid road rage
    Paulo Papa . Sep 23, 2025
  • How well do you understand traffic signs?
    How well do you understand traffic signs?
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 09, 2025
  • How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
    How car collectors can take advantage of Liqui Moly products
    Ruben Manahan IV . Sep 08, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Honda HR-V S: well-endowed entry level option
    Honda HR-V S: well-endowed entry level option
    Cesar Miguel . Oct 06, 2025
  • Ford Everest Sport Special Edition: ‘tough’-tier SUV
    Ford Everest Sport Special Edition: ‘tough’-tier SUV
    Paulo Papa . Sep 15, 2025
  • Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable
    Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S HEV: sporty yet sustainable
    Paulo Papa . Sep 08, 2025
  • ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker
    ELECTRIA: JMC EV3 - cutesy city slicker
    Cesar Miguel . Sep 04, 2025
  • First drive: Here’s why the Li Mega is the ideal pick for those who wants to be chauffeured
    First drive: Here’s why the Li Mega is the ideal pick for those who wants to be chauffeured
    Paulo Papa . Aug 27, 2025