Eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao announced on Saturday that he has tested negative for the coronavirus after being exposed to an individual who has the disease after a special Senate session last Monday. Before finding out the news, Pacquiao and his family were already under self-quarantine.
"My countrymen, I would like to make it clear that even before I received the letter from [Barangay Captain Rossana Hwang], I already started home quarantine," Pacquiao said in a statement. "Please don't worry. I received rapid testing kits from my friends from South Korea. Using these kits approved in Korea, I tested negative. The FDA hasn't approved them yet, but these are what's used in Korea."
The senator from the Philippines said he's willing to take a swab test if he experiences any symptoms.
"I've been encouraged a while back to get tested at RITM [Research Institute for Tropical Medicine], but I want to let it be known that I have not felt any symptoms. It's an entirely different conversation when I'm feeling something strange in my body. I am willing to undergo swab testing for the sake of my family and my country, but I will go through the regular procedure. I believe that there are many more persons under investigation or PUI that should be prioritized in testing."
Pacquiao has helped pay for 50,000 testing kits and 700,000 face masks from China to try and combat the disease. Also, Pacquiao was supposed to deliver over 57,600 testing kits from billionaire Jack Ma before going under the self-quarantine. The 41-year-old preached patience, and more help is on the way in forms of kits and medical equipment.
"I encourage everyone to cooperate with our government," he said. "We should do what's best for us. We should also continue praying and believing in the Lord. Let us all draw strength and hope from him. We'll get past his challenge, my fellow men. Let's believe."
Currently, there are 1,400 confirmed cases and 71 deaths in the Philippines.