MALACAÑANG on Sunday, March 15, said four Cabinet officials have been found negative for coronavirus, the infectious pathogen that causes the respiratory disease Covid-19.

Those who tested negative are Executive Secretary (ES) Salvador C. Medialdea, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar.

All four will continue their 14-day self-quarantine as a precautionary measure and in compliance with the rules and procedures set by the Department of Health (DOH), Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

“ES will continue to work from home as he monitors and acts on important matters relating to the Executive Branch,” Panelo said in a statement Sunday.

Dominguez, Tugade and Villar “will also take precautionary measures in accordance with the protocols set by the DOH, while working pursuant to the respective mandates of their office,” Panelo added.

All four officials had themselves tested after getting into close contact with a Covid-19 patient.

President Rodrigo Duterte and his former aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, have also tested negative for the virus.

Several senators have gone on self-quarantine after a Covid-19 patient, whose wife died recently from Covid-19, attended a hearing at the Senate. (SunStar Philippines from PR)