Lazatin II and Arroyo are among the thousands of guests personally invited by Marcos, Jr. but and attendee is required to submit a negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for the attendance in the Sona of the President at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.
Lazatin II’s aide Art Cabigting told SunStar Pampanga on Sunday evening that the congressman from Angeles City tested positive earlier that day after taking the RT-PCR test as he was poised to attend the Sona on Monday.
“Unfortunately Congressman Jon tested positive so he immediately informed authorities that he would have to forego the Sona in compliance to health protocols. He is fully vaccinated and is stable condition and immediately isolated and quarantined himself.
He added that as a precaution, the entire staff of Lazatin II will undergo testing and the lawmaker’s district office located at the Lazatin Vinegar Plant in Angeles City will be closed on Monday until Thursday for disinfection and health personnel conduct tracing tracing.
“We would like to advise our constituents about this and they could reach us at (0925) 762 7159 for urgent needs as Congressman Jon does not really want services stopped without compromising the safety of constituents and the staff,” Cabigting said.
Meanwhile, Erwin Krishna Santos, Arroyo’s chief of staff, said the congresswoman tested positive in an antigen test on July 15 and immediately underwent self-quarantine.
The statement issued on Sunday, July 24, 2022, added that Arroyo has been “religiously taking the prescribed medicines and supplements required of a Covid-19 patient.”
“An RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test conducted last Sunday showed the Pampanga legislator to still be Covid-19-postive,” her office said.
“Therefore, the former head of state will not attend the Sona,” it added. (With JGS/SunStar Philippines)