BY NICK GIONGCO
Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Saturday assured everyone at Dasmariñas Village of his family’s utmost cooperation in the observance of strict quarantine procedures amid concerns over the rapid spread of COVID-19.
In a letter dated March 28 and addressed to Punong Barangay Rosanna Hwang of Dasmariñas Village in Makati, Pacquiao raised the issue of news stories that came out that branded him as a Person Under Monitoring (PUM) after a video of himself receiving guests, including Sen. Koko Pimentel, in his residence went viral.
Pacquiao said that gathering was not a party that he hosted but a “political meeting of the PDP-Laban” as the 41-year-old boxing champ maintained that holding a party reeked of insensitivity given the country’s current state.
Pacquiao likewise cited why the letter was made public as it caused unnecessary panic among the general public considering that the letter based on the video may have created an impression that the meeting was very recent.
“I wish to know how this private letter addressed to me went around social media with total regard to my right to privacy,” wrote Pacquiao, who has quarantined himself with just family members since March 24
Incidentally, Pacquiao tested negative for the disease after using a test kit imported from Korea. He, however, stressed that he will try to get tested again if he shows symptoms of the coronavirus so others can avail of the government-approved kits.
Pacquiao also requested Hwang that he be granted a quarantine pass for household staff that will handle “essential errands.”
Hwang had earlier volunteered to help Pacquiao get hold of essentials so as to prevent him, his family and staff from going out of their house during the quarantine period.
But Pacquiao made it clear that only he and his family are staying at Dasmariñas Village with household staff and some members of his security and Senate detail housed separately at his Forbes Park residence.
Pacquiao said he “doesn’t wish to burden our community” by asking people other than his own to provide their daily needs and that he will “strictly and conscientiously abide by rules governing the enhanced community quarantine.”
