Radio broadcaster and Manila Times columnist Ramon Tulfo announced that he had been screened for COVID-19 even though he did not fall under the criteria for the testing of the novel coronavirus disease.
On his Twitter account, Tulfo tweeted about how he was able to take the test but also expressed his dismay on how long the results would take.
“I tested negative for Covid-19. But it took one week for the results to come out. A test kit for Covid-19 comes up with the result in 10 minutes. The test kit has been pending approval at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a week now. Is FDA waiting for grease money?”
I tested negative for Covid-19. But it took one week for the results to come out. A test kit for Covid-19 comes up with the result in 10 minutes. The test kit has been pending approval at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a week now. Is FDA waiting for grease money?
— Ramon Tulfo (@RamonTulfoII) March 22, 2020
After this viral tweet, netizens reacted t to how arrogant Tulfo was and how he used his privilege and resources to take advantage of the test.
So, are you proud, sir? That you have the privilege and money to actually get tested? Kung kaya tumulong kayo sa pagkakaroon ng mass testing, baka nakakatuwa pa.
Sir, kapag ang mga mahihirap ang talagang natamaan, damay po ang makasarili niyong pamumuhay, sir. Salamat.
— Bea #NeverAgain (@btrzkji) March 22, 2020
Why did you defy triage rules, tho?
— HIDILYN KLUM (@Punongbayan_) March 22, 2020
Contrary to the guidelines laid down by the DOH, only PUIs (Persons Under Investigation) under serious to critical circumstances must be screened for COVID-19.
Asymptomatic patients, on the other hand, are known to be PUMs (Persons Under Monitoring) who do not need to be examined. But has a history of exposure and needs to undergo 14-day home quarantine.
Last March 14, broadcast journalist Karen Davila voiced out her frustration at politicians who availed of COVID-19 testing given the small number of test kits that are available.
Nakakagalit. Tumigil na kayong mga pulitiko at staff ninyo na nagpapa-test pa sa bahay pa sa ating DOH surveillance team. Dapat lahat ng pangalan nyo mabunyag sa totoo lang.
— Karen Davila (@iamkarendavila) March 21, 2020
“Nakakagalit. Tumigil na kayong mga pulitiko at staff ninyo na nagpapa-test pa sa bahay pa sa ating DOH surveillance team. Dapat lahat ng pangalan nyo mabunyag sa totoo lang.”
Meanwhile, the majority of netizens had named thicked faced politicians and made them public.
REMEMBER THESE NAMES. The politicians and their families who got tested for COVID-19 despite being asymptomatic. Meanwhile, hundreds of citizens who exhibit symptoms cannot be tested due to the limited number of testing kits in the country. #FreeMassTestingNOWPH #NOtoVIPTesting pic.twitter.com/uTlKjJRuJn
— Ken (@kennethrmn) March 22, 2020
“REMEMBER THESE NAMES. The politicians and their families who got tested for COVID-19 despite being asymptomatic. Meanwhile, hundreds of citizens who exhibit symptoms cannot be tested due to the limited number of testing kits in the country. #FreeMassTestingNOWPH #NOtoVIPTesting”
https://twitter.com/KabataanCSB/status/1242053470640717824?s=20
“WHAT WE MEAN BY MASS TESTING??? #MassTestingNgayonNa #NOtoVIPTesting #MassTestingPH”
