5 senators self-quarantine after COVID-19 scare

Five senators initially self-quarantined after a resource person in a Senate hearing on March 5 tested positive for COVID-19.

These senators included Sherwin Gatchalian, Nancy Binay, Imee Marcos, Bong Revilla, and Francis Tolentino.

Senator Marcos self-quarantined due to close contact with Senator Gatchalian, who led the hearing.

Senator Revilla self-quarantined as he was a seatmate of Senator Gatchalian.

Senator Tolentino was scheduled for a medical check-up after interacting with Senator Gatchalian.

Senator Gatchalian, who had prior contact with the infected person, remained asymptomatic and was scheduled for testing.

As of March 12, the number of senators in self-quarantine has increased to nearly half of the chamber.

New senators to self-quarantine include Ralph Recto, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Franklin Drilon, Sonny Angara, Panfilo Lacson, Lito Lapid, and Francis Pangilinan.

Senator Pangilinan began isolating on March 10 due to a staff member's exposure to a COVID-19 patient.