Panelo defends singing in restaurant

MANILA, Philippines — Chief presidential legal adviser Salvador Panelo defended himself yesterday from critics who called him out for allegedly violating health protocols after he was caught on video singing while dining at a restaurant in Makati recently.

“All the guests, except one or two eating, were wearing their face masks. There was also a one-meter distance between the guests, even more with respect to the distance between tables,” Panelo said.

“So, there was no risk of transmission plus I just had a negative swab test result the day before because we had a Cabinet meeting,” he added.

Panelo said social distancing rules were imposed during his meet-up with friends at the restaurant.

He said he also wore a face shield and mask, although he was seen in the video singing while seated at a table with his companions.

“I was requested to sing and the guests came to my table and thanked me. That’s fake news,” he said.

Netizens also accused Panelo of violating the government ban on karaoke use during the holidays to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Prior to this, presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. also received flak for singing in Baguio City during the height of the flooding in Isabela and nearby provinces last month.

Roque was also criticized for swimming with dolphins at a water park in Zambales but he maintained that health protocols were observed during his activities.