Martin Romualdez tests positive for COVID-19

House Majority Leader and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez on Wednesday revealed that he tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, causative agent of COVID-19.

“Today, I received the result of my RT-PCR test showing that I am positive for COVID-19. I am scheduled to undergo a second test tomorrow to rule out a false positive result,” the congressman, who is currently in isolation, said in a statement.

Romualdez said he is “coping” despite experiencing symptoms of the severe respiratory ailment.

He also urged his close contacts to undergo swab testing.

Nevertheless, the House leader said he will return to his duties once he fully recovers from the ailment.

“Rest assured that I will go back to work and perform my duties as Majority Leader of the House of Representatives as soon as I get a clean bill of health from health authorities,” he said.

Before Romualdez, Negros Oriental Representative Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong  and Anakalusugan Representative Mike Defensor  were also diagnosed with the severe respiratory disease this week.

The House has reported 29 active cases of the coronavirus disease, prompting all its committee hearings to be conducted through videoconferencing.

House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco also reduced employees who will physically work at the lower chamber to 30%.   

There were reports late last year that Romualdez was inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine but he kept mum on the issue. -NB, GMA News