ON THE first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the 2019 mid-term elections, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. clarified that he has not resigned as President Rodrigo Duterte's spokesperson.
"I have not resigned," Roque said in a text message sent to Palace reporters.
The Palace official made the statement as Kabayan Party-list, which he used to represent, claimed that he has sent feelers about wanting to represent the group again.
Roque denied the Kabayan's claim, saying that it was "absolutely false".
Roque, who assumed the post as presidential spokesperson in November 2017, was earlier offered by Duterte to assume the role of Press Secretary, a position which has yet to be re-established.
Believing that Roque is determined to seek an elective post, Duterte on October 9 changed his mind and said he was considering Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo for the post.
Earlier Wednesday, Senator Aquilino Pimentel III announced that Roque was included in the senatorial slate of the ruling Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban).
Kabayan party-list, in a statement, claimed that Roque, sent feelers to be its nominee in the 2019 elections.
"We were not surprised on receiving a feeler through a member of our Board on the desire of former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque to be a nominee of Kabayan party-list in the 2019 elections," it said.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Roque is no longer a member of Kabayan Partylist as he was removed in January 2017... Nonetheless, we fully support Mr. Roque’s dream of becoming a Senator, and Kabayan Partylist wishes him all the best, should he file his Certificate of Candidacy," it added.
According to the group, their nominees are: Ron Salo, Peter Anthony Abaya, Paul Hernandez, Noemie Bustamante, and Jennis Nidea.
Salo and Hernandez are incumbent congressmen representing Kabayan.
Nevertheless, the Kabayan party-list said they will support Roque's senatorial bid.
"Nonetheless, we fully support Mr. Roque’s dream of becoming a Senator, and Kabayan Partylist wishes him all the best, should he file his Certificate of Candidacy."
Roque has yet to decide on what he will do. (Ruth Abbey Gita/Keith A. Calayag/SunStar Philippines)