MANILA, Philippines — After logging 43 active COVID-19 cases before going into recess on March 26, the House of Representative has not released any data on the number of infections among its members and personnel.
Asked by The STAR, House secretary general Mark Llandro Mendoza did not respond why his office has stopped providing updates on the tally of COVID-19 cases.
While the House is on a two-month recess, the chamber remains open to employees and visitors who continue to undergo antigen testing upon entering the Batasang Pambansa premises.
Lawmakers hold virtual committee meetings and hearings through the support of personnel physically present in the offices of congressmen.
The STAR learned that several congressmen recently tested positive for COVID-19. Mendoza’s office has yet to confirm this.
The House has recorded 277 COVID-19 cases among lawmakers and personnel since the pandemic started last year.
As of March 23, there were 43 active COVID-19 cases, 227 recoveries and seven deaths.
Congress will resume session on May 17.