Charles Teves
Following his failure to join the International Law Commission (ILC), former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has decided to run for the Senate in 2022.
He filed his senatorial bid on Monday. On the same day, during his final briefing, he said he’d go back to politics after bidding President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio goodbye.
“Babalik po tayo sa larangan ng pulitika, babalik po tayo sa Kongreso, sa Kamara ng Senado. Nagpaalam na tayo kay Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte at kay Mayor Sara Duterte.” Roque said.
“Kinakailangan po mag-ingat-buhay para sa hanapbuhay at ‘yan naman po ang dahilan kung bakit babalik tayo sa larangan ng pulitika. Babalik po sana tayo sa Kongreso ng Pilipinas doon po sa kamara ng Senado,” he added.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles will now be serving as Duterte’s new presidential spokesman.
Roque said he just fulfilled his promise to run if Duterte-Carpio runs. Roque will replace the People’s Reform Party (PRP) Senate bet Paolo Mario Martelino as a substitute for the party’s senatorial slate.
“Kung inyong matatandaan, bumalik naman po ako bilang spox sa gitna ng pandemya noong isang taon para magbigay-linaw sa panahon ng kalituhan.
“Masaya akong mission accomplished na po tayo, ha? Iiwan ko ang trabaho ko na mas mabuti kumpara sa ating nadatnan.”
Duterte-Carpio, in a short video, expressed her support for Roque’s campaign.
“Ibigay natin ang todo at buong suporta natin para sa kaniyang kandidatura para sa Senado.
“We will see you in the Senate Senator Harry Roque,” she said.
On November 4, human rights groups stormed a restaurant in New York where Roque was for a private meeting. He said the protest had prompted him to run for the Senate to prevent the groups’ candidates from holding office.
Roque’s nomination to ILC eventually failed, and he went to social media to express his gratitude to everyone who supported his bid.
Netizens then called Roque shameless for seeking a senatorial seat.
hala so natuloy pala si harry roque na tumakbo for senate? medj makapal din talaga ha
— jea // GOT IS COMING (@sugenholic_) November 15, 2021
kapal namn ng mukha mo @attyharryroque na sabibing mas mabuti ang gobyerno ngayon kumpara sa dati..napaka sinungaling mo talaga…mamatay ka na sanang hayup ka!!!!
— camprent (@powercamp21) November 15, 2021
@attyharryroque Don't be fooled. DO NOT vote for him. He sold his soul to the devil. The man who couldn't be trusted.
— Northernlights (@Northerlights2) November 15, 2021
If you ever feel like a loser in all aspects of your life, just look at Harry Roque and you'll instantly find peace of mind.
— INSPECTOR KOO YUKOT (@SEMENDEM0N666) November 15, 2021
Sir, pahinga ka muna… Magsasayang ka ng laway, pera, panahon at lakas sa pangangampanya, di ka lulusot at ikaw ay nasa anino ng kasalukuyan na magiging nakaraan.. buuin mo muna ang pagkatao mo at aminin mo man o hindi eh wasak, tapos tsaka ka bumanat..
— MarxAquinas (@AquinasMarx) November 15, 2021
walang kadala dala…. sobrang tigas ng fez…
— Silence=Death (@freedomnowna) November 15, 2021
