Coronavirus: Duterte ally Koko Pimentel blasted for putting health care workers in danger as more doctors die

Doctors and staff quarantined after the senator violated his home quarantine to accompany his pregnant wife to a Manila hospital

This comes as nine doctors have died and hundreds more are in isolation as the Philippines struggles to cope with the Covid-19 outbreak

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An emergency worker wears protective gear at a coronavirus decontamination booth in the Philippines. The country’s health workers are dealing with a surge in Covid-19 cases and have complained of insufficient protective equipment. Photo: EPA-EFE

Published: 9:51pm, 26 Mar 2020Updated: 10:23pm, 26 Mar 2020

A senator from Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s political party who tested positive for Covid-19 has triggered public outrage for going to a large Manila hospital with his pregnant wife and potentially infecting staff, as health care workers nationwide are overwhelmed by a surge in cases and a lack of protective equipment.

At least nine doctors have died in the Philippines from the coronavirus, and hundreds more have quarantined themselves after coming into contact with Covid-19 patients. While the country has reported 707 infections and 45 deaths, there are fears the scale of the crisis is actually worse as only 2,000 people have been tested.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III found out he had the virus after accompanying his wife to Makati Medical Centre for a scheduled caesarean section delivery on Tuesday. He admitted to suffering flu-like symptoms since March 14.

Members of the Philippine Lower House of Congress attend a special session, with desks arranged to observe social distancing, to discuss proposed emergency powers to be given to President Rodrigo Duterte. Photo: AFP

The hospital on Wednesday issued a scathing statement, accusing Pimentel of violating his home quarantine and forcing doctors and staff members who had contact with him to be quarantined. “We denounce the irresponsible and reckless action of the senator,” the centre said.

Pimentel apologised to the hospital on Thursday, saying in a statement that he had not intended to breach its containment protocols and cause “additional anguish and concern to the courageous frontline health workers we all depend on”. He said he was simply there to be with his wife for the birth of their daughter.

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