Senate implements stricter COVID-19 protocols

MANILA, Philippines — Starting on Monday, the Senate will strictly implement COVID-19 protocols and will require guests and visitors to present a negative antigen test result taken within 24 hours.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri ordered Senate Secretary Rey Bantug to oversee the implementation of health protocols.

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano has tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing antigen test.

Bantug said they would finalize the amended guidelines for Senate guests and visitors.

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, meanwhile, said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases should be dissolved.

“Let the Department of Health monitor and manage the country’s COVID-19 cases,” Pimentel said.