MMC calls out on Senator Koko Pimentel's "irresponsible and reckless" action

Photo: @SenKokoPimentel

On Wednesday, the Facebook page of Makati Medical Center posted a statement condemning the actions of Senator Aquilino (Koko) Martin D. Pimentel III who tested positive of COVID-19 and entered the hospital's premises, bringing his wife who's on due her pregnancy. MMC Medical Director Saturnino P. Javier called Sen. Koko Pimentel's action as "irresponsible and reckless" after he breached his home quarantine protocol.

"We denounce the irresponsible and reckless action of the senator" Javier said in the post

"By his actions, he contributed no solutions. In fact, he created another problem - for Makati Medical Center, the very institution which embraced his wife for obstetric care." he added. Saturnino Javier assured everyone that the hospital's delivery room was already decontaminated and disinfected and is now safe and ready to use. Also, the involved health workers were already identified and will be quarantined after evaluation because of exposure with the senator. "We fervently pray that none of our healthcare staff will acquire the viral infection," told Javier in the post. Kathryna Pimentel, Senator Koko Pimentel's wife who was brought in the hospital, clarified that her husband did not reach inside the delivery room. "The stress test happened around 8:30 p.m. last night in the examination room. Ako lang po mag-isa diyan. Kasi sabi din nila bawal ang husband or bantay," Kathryn stated. Senator Koko Pimentel mentioned that his swab was taken on March 20, 2020, but only received the news that he tested positive of COVID-19 on the late night of March 24, 2020. He admitted that he went to the hospital but left immediately upon hearing the news. "Yes (I was with Kath yesterday) as she was scheduled to give birth this morning. I received the call from RITM when I was already in the hospital last night hence I left immediately," he uttered.