Rep. Mike Defensor tests positive for COVID-19

Anakalusugan party-list Representative Mike Defensor announced on Tuesday, March 16, that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

He stated that he contracted the virus two weeks prior, on March 3, and is currently in isolation.

Defensor described his symptoms as mild, likening them to a single day of flu, and indicated he is asymptomatic, as is his son-in-law.

He mentioned that seven other individuals in his household, including his son-in-law, also tested positive despite adherence to health protocols.

Defensor is awaiting a negative swab test result to confirm his complete recovery and will undergo another test tomorrow, Wednesday.

The lawmaker got infected amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, with stricter quarantine measures being reimposed in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Other government officials who recently tested positive include Negros Oriental Representative Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong, PNP Chief General Debold Sinas, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director General Wilkins Villanueva, and presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.