Labor chief tests positive for Covid-19

MANILA – Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III has tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid 19).

In a statement, the DOLE said Bello, who is fully vaccinated, is asymptomatic and undergoing quarantine in his hometown in Ilagan, Isabela where the test was made last Saturday.

“Even while in isolation, the Secretary continues to discharge his functions. Prior to contracting the virus, the Secretary has been receiving officials and guests at his office, and traveled to various parts of the country distributing assistance to displaced and disadvantaged formal and informal sector workers affected by the pandemic,” the statement read.

Bello thanked the people for the prayers as he assured to continue working as soon as he completed the quarantine period.

“The Secretary wishes to thank the public for their prayers, and expresses hopes to resume leading DOLE officials in the distribution of assistance funds under its Serbisyong TUPAD as soon as his quarantine period is over,” it said.