Marcos campaign headquarters shut as over 20 staff get COVID-19

MANILA, Philippines – More than 20 staff working for the campaign of presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, January 3, prompting the temporary closure of their headquarters.

Marcos’ spokesperson Vic Rodriguez said in a statement on Monday that the campaign headquarters along EDSA in Mandaluyong City will be closed until further notice.

It will be completely disinfected, according to Rodriguez.

Marcos and his running mate, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, have also canceled public appearances, sorties, and assemblies starting Monday until January 15.

“However, campaign preparations and other administrative functions of the UniTeam will proceed nonstop through work-from-home arrangements and virtual meetings of the concerned staffers and campaign personnel,” Rodriguez said.

“The UniTeam also advises all its supporters nationwide to exercise self-restraint and avoid holding unilateral campaign or political activities that might result in the further surge of COVID-19 cases in their areas.”

Rodriguez said they had been requiring all visitors and staff at the campaign headquarters to undergo antigen tests at least twice a week.

Robredo headquarters, too

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo announced on Monday evening that the headquarters for her presidential campaign will also be temporarily closed to ensure the safety of staff and volunteers.

But the Office of the Vice President’s Bayanihan E-Konsulta and Swab Cab initiatives will continue as part of its COVID-19 response.

Robredo also said her office’s relief operations for areas hit by Typhoon Odette (Rai) will go on.

“Dahil sa biglaan at patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng kaso ng COVID sa ating bansa, nananawagan po ako sa ating mga kababayan na mag-ingat at patuloy na sundin ang mga health protocols. Proteksiyunan natin ang ating mga mahal sa buhay at tumulong na mapababa ang kaso ng COVID sa pamamagitan ng sakripisyo natin,” the Vice President said in a statement.

(Due to the sudden and continuous increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in our country, I appeal to our countrymen to take precautions and to keep following health protocols. Let’s protect our loved ones and help bring down COVID-19 cases by making sacrifices.)

Metro Manila is under Alert Level 3 until January 15, with COVID-19 cases on the rise again. Cases topped 4,000 for the second straight day on Monday. – Rappler.com