BY NICK GIONGCO
After testing negative using a COViD-19 rapid test kit imported from Korea, Sen. Manny Pacquiao yesterday vowed to look for more help elsewhere as he intensifies efforts to help contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
“Kahit naka-home quarantine, patuloy po akong maghahanap ng paraan upang makatulong sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa ating mga magigiting na frontliners,” said Pacquiao in a statement.
“Marami pa pong test kits at medical supplies na darating na magagamit ng ating mga health workers sa buong bansa. Magkakaroon din po ng allocation ang DOH Regional Centers sa Visayas at Mindanao.”
On Friday, more than 50,000 medical supplies, mostly test kits, arrived from China courtesy of Pacquiao’s friend, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma.
Pacquiao, 41, was not on site when the shipment was released by the Bureau of Customs as he has decided to remain in his Dasmariñas Village home and observe strict quarantine procedures given that he was among those who came close contact with Sen. Koko Pimentel.
That event, however, took place in Pacquiao’s residence on March 4 and attended not only by political bigwigs but a few recognizable names in the society circle as well.
Still, Pacquiao opted to stay indoors starting March 24 and he even underwent testing using a kit that came from Korea.
“Nalulungkot po ako na may mga kasamahan ako sa Senado na positibo sa Covid-19. Dahil nakasalamuha ko sila, alam ko na ako ay considered as Person Under Monitoring o PUM,” said Pacquiao, referring to Pimentel, Sonny Angara and Migz Zubiri.
Still, Pacquiao insists there is no reason to be concerned owing to the negative result of his test.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala. May natanggap po akong Rapid Testing Kits mula sa aking mga kaibigan sa South Korea. Gamit ang rapid test kit na approved sa Korea, ako po ay nag-negatibo. Hindi pa approved ng FDA dito pero yon po ang ginagamit sa Korea.”
Pacquiao said that he won’t subject himself to testing until he shows symptoms of the coronavirus.
“Matagal na po akong hinihikayat na magpa-test sa RITM ngunit naniniwala po kasi ako na marami tayong Persons Under Investigation o PUI na dapat unahin pagdating sa testing.”
“Nais ko pong ipaalam na sa kasalukuyan wala po akong nararamdaman na anumang sintomas. Ibang usapan na po kung meron akong kakaibang nararamdaman sa aking katawan. Once I experience symptoms, I am willing to undergo the swab testing for the sake of my family and my country, but I will go through the regular procedure.”
Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division champion, likewise received medical supplies from his Korean contacts a few days ago to assist the government in fighting the disease that claimed 30,000 lives worldwide.
