Deputy Speaker and Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel on Monday confirmed that he tested positive for COVID-19, a few hours ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the afternoon.
Pimentel said he found that he tested positive for the coronavirus after taking a swab test on Sunday as part of the requirements for physical attendees of the opening of the House's Second Regular Session and the President's SONA. He was among those listed to attend the two events.
"I had my swab test yesterday 8 a.m. in Congress as requirement for SONA," Pimentel said. "At 11:30 p.m. Dr. Dizon of Congress called me and told me I'm positive. Later on, he sent thru my email the result also," he added.
House officials had announced that lawmakers and staff who will be physically attending the SONA will have to undergo mandatory swab and rapid testing for COVID-19.
Persons who will test positive in either of the COVID-19 tests will no longer be allowed to attend the SONA physically.
Duterte's SONA is set at 4 p.m. after the opening of the session this morning.