Malacañang Palace not on lockdown amid COVID-19 cases

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) announced that Malacañang Palace will not be placed on lockdown despite confirmed COVID-19 cases among officials who interacted with President Duterte.

Instead of a lockdown, the PSG will implement scheduled disinfection and decontamination measures in areas frequently used by the President and government employees.

Work within the Malacañang compound will continue as usual, with employees temporarily vacating their offices during disinfection periods.

President Duterte underwent COVID-19 testing as a precautionary measure due to his regular interactions with Cabinet members.

Several Cabinet officials, including the Secretaries of Transportation and Finance, have opted for self-quarantine after potential exposure to the virus.

Secretary of Education Leonor Briones was also advised to undergo quarantine following her interactions with colleagues in the Cabinet.

Malacañang reminded employees about the possibility of work-from-home arrangements, following guidelines from the Department of Labor and Employment and the Civil Service Commission.

The PSG emphasized that these measures are intended to ensure the safety of everyone working in the seat of government and to allow them to continue serving the Filipino people.