The Presidential Security Group (PSG) has expressed dismay on ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Eric Yap after the congressman went to Malacaῆang even if he was a person under investigation (PUI).
Images on March 21 at Malacaῆang show Yap meeting with some cabinet members of President Rodrigo Duterte and other high officials of the government. Four days after the meeting, Yap confirmed he tested positive for COVID-19.
PSG Commander Col. Jesus Durante III said they have been investigating the incident and may file a case against Yap.
“For us, we have been implementing strict security measures, para kahit sinumang pumasok dito sa Palasyo (to whoever enters the Palace), and we are letting them sign a declaration form. Ang problema, itong si Cong. Yap, (The problem is) he filled out the form but he did not declare na may contact na siya (that he had contact) with some people who were found positive, and he has cough, he’s experiencing some symptoms, hindi niya lahat dineclare ito (he did not declare all these),” Col. Durante III related.
“And still, um-attend siya sa (he attended the) meeting. At ‘yun nga (And) involving itong (our) other cabinet secretaries natin, and it really endangers everyone dito sa loob ng Palasyo (here in the Palace),” he added.
More than 20 palace staff members have undergone quarantine due to the incident. Durante said all officials joined by Yap in the meeting are now PUIs.
Senator Christopher Go, DSWD Secretary Rolando Bautista, DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado, and OPAPP Secretary Carlito Galvez have declared they will undergo self-quarantine.
The PSG has clarified President Duterte did not personally meet Yap since he was not in the meeting last Saturday, but security measures for the President and Malacaῆang complex have been intensified.
“Sa ngayon (For now), we are actually restricting any visitor, even the meetings are very limited. ‘Yung (The) last meeting with the IATF, they just conducted video teleconferencing meeting, then phone calls, if necessary. But direct meetings, nawala na ‘yun (are no longer conducted),” Durante continued.
“But for now, all we could say actually, itong mga (those) especially high-level meetings natin, even dito sa mga pumapasok sa (those who enter) Malacañang complex, kasi may skeletal force pa rin tayo rito (since we still have skeletal force), we are just reminding them to please cooperate with us, PSG. And they should be honest in disclosing all of this information,” he added.
Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo revealed they have received reports on some officials who violated protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH).
“There are no exemptions for any person on these health protocols. Those holding high positions in the government are enjoined to set an example to their constituents by strictly observing them. The equal protection clause of the Constitution imposes equal treatment to all. Any transgressor therefore must be dealt with in accordance with law,” Panelo said. – Report from Mela Lesmoras
