Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Saturday said he has recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

This, he said more than a month after he announced he tested positive for the virus.

The senator said swab samples were taken last April 13 and the results came out around 10 days later.

It was negative, Pimentel said.

“Yes, I believe, I am now considered a ‘recovered person’ that’s what my staff told me,” Pimentel told reporters.

“But better ask DOH (Department of Health) if that’s already official. Mahirap na magkamali, although, I think, I am COVID free already,” the senator said.

Pimentel, on March 25, said he has tested positive for COVID-19.

Pimentel was under fire for visiting a Makati hospital despite being a person under investigation for the disease.

On March 24, Pimentel brought his pregnant wife to the Makati Medical Center.

While at the hospital, Pimentel said he received a call from the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) at around 9 p.m. where the medical testing facility told him he was positive for COVID-19.

“March 20 (swab taken). It’s already May 2. That has been 44 days already,” he said.

“That’s already three 14-day quarantine cycles! Since I am still alive, [I have a] sense that the virus has already run its course (if this is a ‘normal’ Coronavirus),” he added./Stacy Ang