Palace asks RITM to ensure accuracy of COVID-19 test results

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo urged the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) to ensure the accuracy of COVID-19 test results before releasing them to the public.

Panelo's statement came after RITM mistakenly reported that ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Eric Yap tested positive for the coronavirus, which caused alarm and anxiety.

RITM later clarified that Yap is negative for COVID-19 due to a clerical oversight and apologized for the incident.

Prior to RITM's clarification, Yap's supposed positive test result prompted the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to consider filing charges against him for allegedly breaching protocols.

The PSG also initiated the self-quarantine of its personnel following Yap's visit to Malacañang.

Despite the erroneous report, the PSG will continue its investigation into Yap's entry to the Palace and the self-quarantine of its personnel.