Malacañang announced Friday that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19 in an antigen test.

Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., often known as Bongbong Marcos and  identified by the initials BBM or PBBM, is the 17th and current President of the Philippines.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said during a briefing that, “He has a slight fever, but he is otherwise okay. Those in close contact with him are currently being informed by the Presidential Management Staff to observe their symptoms.”

Cruz-Angeles also stated that the president’s eldest son, Representative Sandro Marcos (Ilocos Norte), tested negative for COVID-19.

However, his wife Liza and their boys Simon and Vincent are out of town and have not had any contact with the chief executive.

According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, an antigen test is already sufficient to indicate that Marcos is infected with the virus because he is experiencing symptoms.

Vergeire further stated that Marcos would be able to engage in face-to-face activities after a seven-day period of isolation and his symptoms have disappeared.

Since Marcos tested positive for COVID-19, Cruz-Angeles stated, Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez has attended briefings on “matters of security instead.” 

The president would not be able to join the event hosted by the US Embassy in Manila to commemorate the country’s 246th anniversary of independence, but he would virtually join and give a message at the meeting of mayors and governors.