(Eagle News) – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has tested positive for COVID-19 and has “slight fever,” Malacanang confirmed on Friday, July 8.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Secretary Atty. Trixie Angeles said that Marcos Jr., “tested positive in an antigen test today.”
“He has slight fever but he’s okay. Those who have been in close contact with him are currently informed by PMS (Presidential Management Staff) to observe their symptom as per the protocol,” Angeles said.
The Palace said that the rest of the First Family either tested negative or are out of town.
Angeles said Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos tested negative, while the First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and two other sons, Joseph
Simon and William Vincent, “are all out of town and have not been exposed.”
“The President encourages the public to get their vaccine series and boosters,” the Press Secretary said.
She said that “as per the protocol regarding the President’s schedule today,” Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez attended the briefings this morning on the matters of security on the President’s behalf.
Marcos would also not be able to attend the 246th anniversary of the US independence Friday night at the Embassy.
But he would be able to “virtually attend and give a message” in the meeting of governors, mayors and other local officials tonight.
“This is part of the continuing campaign for a series of vaccination and booster shot in preparation for the opening of the face-to-face classes this school year,” Angeles said.
She said that this was originally a “dinner” meeting, but this had to be changed, and the meals were removed “to prevent officials from removing their masks.”
The Palace said that Vice-President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, as well as Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, are set to give their presentations during the meeting.
On July 6, President Marcos had met with top Chinese officials led by Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. He had also had his first cabinet meeting on July 5 in Malacanang.
On Thursday, July 7, he had a meeting with Energy officials at the Palace, and led the oath-taking ceremony of newly appointed officials, also in Malacanang.
(Eagle News Service)