Koko's wife denies they entered Makati hospital's delivery room

Senator Aquilino Pimentel III's wife Kathryna on Wednesday clarified that the lawmaker did not enter a delivery room of the hospital in Makati, contrary to some information circulating in social media.

"I feel really sad they are insisting I was in the delivery room and Senator Koko... Never reached inside the delivery room. I took the stress test for the baby inside the examination room," Kathryna, an expectant mother, said in a message sent to reporters.

The senator has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

She underscored that the examination room was located far from the delivery room.

"The stress test happened around 8:30 p.m. last night in the examination room. Ako lang po mag-isa diyan. Kasi sabi din nila bawal ang husband or bantay," Kathryna added.

She said the hospital management can even check the CCTV cameras.

Pimentel on Wednesday disclosed that he tested positive for COVID-19.

"I was informed late last night March 24, 2020 that I have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The swab was taken last Friday, March 20, 2020," the senator said in a statement.

"Since the last day of session March 11, 2020 I had already tried my best to limit my movement," he added.

He, nevertheless, admitted that he accompanied his pregnant wife to the hospital on Tuesday but immediately left after learning of the COVID-19 result.

"Yes (I was with Kath yesterday) as she  was scheduled to give birth this morning. I received the call from RITM when I was already in the hospital last night hence I left immediately," he said.

In a separate message, Pimentel refuted allegations that he made arrangements with Health Secretary Francisco Duque III to be able to get a room at the hospital.

"Secretary Duque has and had nothing to do with our getting a room and any room at the hospital," Pimentel said.

"I talked to Secretary Duque this morning March 25 2020 and he just asked me about my situation. By that time, I have already checked my wife Kath in the hospital since yesterday 6-7pm, March 24 2020," he added, noting that it was his sister who informed Duque of his condition. --JST, GMA News