Former House Speaker and Davao del Norte Representative Pantaleon Alvarez tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
His daughter, Department of Finance (DOF) Assistant Secretary Paola Alvarez broke the news Thursday morning, April 8.
“Speaker Alvarez did test positive for the virus but he is not in any serious health condition. He is still in Davao del Norte and is recovering at home. Thank you for your concern and for everyone’s prayers,” the finance official said.
She also dispelled rumors that her father is serious and is currently intubated.
The former speaker’s office also issued a statement debunking the rumors that the lawmaker is in critical condition.
“There are rumors spreading that former Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who is presently the First District Representative for Davao del Norte, is in critical condition and intubated. He is not in critical condition and neither was he intubated,” the statement read.
His office said the elder Alvarez has been discharged from a government hospital in Tagum City and is currently recovering at home. His doctors gave him a positive prognosis. Since last week, he has was isolated, while still coordinating and communicating with his staff.
Several other lawmakers in the House earlier disclosed that they also tested positive for COVID-19 such as Majority Leader Martin Romualdez, Abra Rep. Joseph Bernos, Caloocan 2nd District Rep. Edgar Erice, Negros Oriental Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong among others. – Rommel F. Lopez