Duterte on self-quarantine as several officials contract COVID-19

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 27) — President Rodrigo Duterte has been advised by his doctor and the Presidential Security Group to undergo self-quarantine after confirmed cases of coronavirus infection among some officials.

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, former Special Assistant to the President, confirmed this in a statement on Friday as he gave updates on Duterte's 75th birthday on Saturday.

Go said it has been the President's tradition to stay home during his birthdays, and such is the case now that he is on home quarantine.

"Parehas rin lang ngayon dahil inabisuhan siya ng kanyang doktor at ng PSG na magself-quarantine na rin para sa kanyang proteksyon bilang exposed siya sa Malacañang," Go said.

[Translation: The situation is similar now because he has been advised by his doctor and the PSG to undergo self-quarantine for his protection since he was exposed to Malacañang.]

Go stressed that the President will continue to work from home, monitoring the country's situation and giving the necessary orders.

Malacañang also confirmed this in a statement, adding that the President's only wish "is for our countrymen to stay home and the total eradication of the coronavirus."

Earlier, the PSG said the entire team guarding Duterte in the Malacañang complex in Manila will undergo quarantine as precautionary measure against COVID-19.

PSG Commander Col. Jesus Durante III told CNN Philippines the quarantine order will be imposed from March 28 until April 10 on all PSG personnel and their family living in the compound. The order comes after several government officials and lawmakers tested positive for COVID-19.

One of them, ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Eric Yap attended a Malacañang meeting last Saturday and the PSG is now eyeing charges against him.

The Philippines now has 803 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of this number, 54 have died while 31 have recovered. Duterte has placed Luzon under enhanced community quarantine, restricting people's movement, to contain the spread of the virus.