De Lima tests negative for COVID-19, under hospital care for apparent stroke

Detained Senator Leila de Lima has tested negative for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) but will seek medical treatment from a hospital in Manila after suffering from what her doctor said was an apparent mild stroke.

“Lumabas na yung swab result ni Sen. Leila is negative” (Her swab test result came out negative), De Lima’s office said in an update given by her chief of staff Atty. Fhillip Sawali. 

Her office disclosed that the senator arrived at Manila Doctors Hospital on Saturday to get necessary medical treatment for her health condition.

De Lima’s "very urgent motion" requesting a medical furlough and confinement was granted by two Muntinlupa Regional Trial Courts.

The senator's office said an examination by her on-call doctor "left an impression that she experienced a Transient Ischemic Attack (mild stroke), hence the urgent and extremely important need to rule out a cerebrovascular accident."

De Lima experienced bouts of headache and persistent generalized weakness since April 20.

Her office added that she needs to undergo Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast at Manila Doctor’s Hospital where she had been admitted during her previous medical furlough last February 11.

De Lima’s medical furlough was also granted as the Philippine National Police – General Hospital (PNP-GH) has no equipment for MRI and other tests.

The PNP provides security for the lawmaker. —LBG, GMA News