The Department of Health (DOH) announced that only the elders and patients with symptoms are allowed to take the COVID-19 test given the limited number of kits available.
However, Cavite governor Jonvic Remulla still decided to undergo the test even if he did not meet the protocols for the test.
On Twitter, Remulla apologized for his decision and promised to never take advantage of his power again.
He said: “There’s a protocol and triage algorithm set by DOH that I may have skipped. I would like to apologize and I promise never to take advantage of my position again. I take full responsibility if you think I took advantage of my position.”
I take full responsibility. There’s a protocal and triage algorithm set by DOH. In the spirit of transparency… pic.twitter.com/bRwso4WrIb
— Jonvic Remulla (@jonvicremulla) March 18, 2020
Health workers have shared their sentiments and horrible experiences during the coronavirus crisis. Most of them don’t have enough food, transportation, and medical supplies that ‘privileged’ politicians who can’t even follow a simple policy just like Remulla can have with a snap of their fingers.
Walked from Banawe, Quezon City to Libertad, Mandaluyong! Masyado nyo kinakawawa ang mga Healthcare workers!! Fuck i wanna cry!!! 😭
— James (@Itspjames) March 17, 2020
One of the frontliners revealed that they chose to reuse the masks just to somehow save themselves from the virus and continue providing medical assistance to infected patients. As per one frontliner, this is what happens when politicians cut the budget on health.
As of this moment we don’t have any stocks of face mask. Just for the sake of having one, we decided reusing our mask, to somehow protect ourselves and not let the virus harm us. This happens when you cut budget on health. Still appealing for help! #COVID19PH pic.twitter.com/yS9k00aSs3
— James (@Itspjames) March 17, 2020
Clarifying, we're not against the idea of suspected asymptomatic people being tested. Ideally ganon naman talaga eh.
Pero ilagay naman kasi sa context na WE ARE SHORT ON TESTING KITS (kaya nga may algorithm ngayon for testing ang DOH diba?). Bakit kailangan kayong unahin?
— janno (@yesnothatthis) March 17, 2020