Duterte to Roque: You won't win the 2019 senatorial race

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday, October 4, frankly told Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. that he has no fighting chance of winning the 2019 senatorial derby.

Duterte said he had advised Roque, who is considering running for senator, to just stay with the executive branch.

It was not however clear if Roque had already talked to Duterte to formally inform the latter of his plan to join the 2019 midterm polls.

"Si Roque, gusto mag-senador. Sabi ko, 'Tama ka na. T*** i** diyan. Standby ka. Bigyan kita ibang trabaho. Hindi ka manalo diyan,'" the President said during his dinner with the Philippine Military Academny Alumni Association held at the Palace.

(Roque wants to be a senator. I said, "Stop it. Son of a b****, stay there. I will give you a work to do. You will not win there.")

Roque served as Kabayan party-list representative prior to his stint at the Palace.

In a radio interview on Friday, October 5, Roque said he is still undecided as to whether he will seek an elective post or remain Duterte's mouthpiece.

"Tignan po natin kung ano ang magiging desisyon (Let's await my final decision)," the Palace official said when asked if he has already made up his mind to file his candidacy.

On Tuesday, October 7, Roque said his position was "easily replaceable" in case he pursues his senatorial bid.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has set the filing of certificate of candidacy for the 2019 midterm elections on October 11 to 17, 2018 (SunStar Philippines)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1763926